Giving your household items to charity for re-use saves space in landfill and is an easy way to give to charity. But, be sure your goods go where you want them to!
Charities need your support now more than ever. And yet, there are some bogus collectors around, taking donations from where they are needed most.
With these simple checks, you can be sure your goods go to legitimate collections, helping you to give with confidence.
- Does the bag or leaflet show a registered charity number? Legitimate charity collection bags will clearly state what organisation(s) funds are being raised for and feature a registered charity number. You can check these details with the Charity Commission.
- Look for the tick. If you spot the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) tick logo, that organisation has signed up to fundraising regulation by the FRSB and to follow industry codes of practice.
- Make a call. A legitimate collection should include a working landline telephone number for you to call. Call this or your local council to query the collection.
After making checks, if you think that a collection might be bogus, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.org.uk.
Above all, please keep giving!