Hospice shop asks donors not to leave bags outside Duke Street store

Hospice Isle of Man has appealed to people to hand donations to staff at its Duke Street shop in Douglas rather than leaving them on the pavement outside, according to Manx Radio.

The charity said bags dumped outside the shop are an eyesore and a potential health and safety hazard, and that leaving them there could count as fly-tipping. In a social media post, the store said it was “incredibly grateful for every donation” but that leaving bags outside after closing was not the way to give.

Manx Radio reported that more bags were left outside the day after the appeal was posted. Store manager Lisa Callister told the broadcaster that dangerous items, including sharp knives, have been left unattended.

According to Manx Radio, the shop also cannot accept soiled clothing or safety equipment such as car seats and bike helmets, because the history of such items is unknown and it cannot be sure they would work as intended.

The shop’s closeness to the city’s nightlife has also raised concerns that goods left overnight could be tampered with, Manx Radio reported, along with worries that passing dogs could soil bags before staff handle them.

Hospice said damaged, contaminated or unsuitable donations must be disposed of at a cost. “This means money that could have helped fund vital Hospice care is spent on waste disposal instead,” it said.