"We've even found sharp knives": Charity shop appeal after donations left outside

A charity shop in Douglas is appealing for people to leave donations with staff members and not outside the store.

Hospice Isle of Man, on Duke Street, says not only do bags of goods left on the pavement look unsightly but can pose a health and safety risk and even amount to fly-tipping.

In a social media post the store said it was 'incredibly grateful for every donation' but said 'leaving bags outside our doors after closing isn’t the way to donate'.

However the day after issuing the online appeal more bags were left outside of the shop unattended.

The store's manager, Lisa Callister, told Manx Radio that some dangerous items such as sharp knives have been left unattended:

Other items including safety equipment - car seats, bike helmets etc - can't be donated because of the unknown history of the item and whether they would still function as they were originally intended.

The charity also can't take soiled clothing.

Abandoned items outside Hospice on Duke Street. Picture credit: Hospice Isle of Man

The proximity of the Duke Street shop to the city's nearby nightlife also raises concerns about who might interfere or tamper with any goods left outside overnight.

There are also concerns that passing dogs could urinate on the donated bags before they're then handled by the charity's staff.

Ultimately, these issues can end up costing the charity money.

Hospice says: "When donations are damaged, contaminated or unsuitable for sale, we have to pay to have them disposed of.

"This means money that could have helped fund vital Hospice care is spent on waste disposal instead."