Support your local charity shops and grab a Christmas bargain

Our charity shops are a high street staple, full of pre-loved furniture, puzzles, books and clothes, but their dependence on donations and help from volunteers means they have faced serious challenges throughout the pandemic.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, charities are relying on shoppers to save money and instead spend with them to help them raise vital funds again.

Our two apprentice journalists Katie Dicks and Katie Catherall went Christmas shopping themselves at a few local shops to find out what Christmas bargains were in store... 

Salvation Army 
80 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7JR

Thousands of people will turn to The Salvation Army for help this winter. They will be helping more than 650 communities across the UK, reaching out to support those suffering in poverty, especially at Christmas. Founders of the charity sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their ‘physical and spiritual needs’. They have struggled along with others this year due to a lack of volunteers and funding, so they need support more than ever. 

In store, you are able to buy unique Christmas presents, such as a Rock Salt candle holder, retailing at £5 each. 

There is also lots of gifts available for children, like a cute penguin onesie above, currently selling for just £4.50. 

PDSA 
45 Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7JG

The coronavirus crisis continues to make it difficult for the PDSA to operate normally. They are unable to operate pet hospitals at full capacity and have had to stop some preventive treatments such as vaccinations and microchipping. 

They are deeply committed to, ‘Saving Pets’ and ‘Changing Lives’ and working tirelessly this winter to be there for those who need it, especially in emergencies. 

You can support their charity by purchasing gifts from their store. An ideal gift for your favourite furry friend could be a Cat Toy Stocking, currently selling for £1.99. 

For those who enjoy décor, they are also selling decorations like a Buddha statue for £11.20. 

The A World
10 Mercian Way, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7JH

With the aim of supporting children, young adults and their families/carers who are living with autism, the A World strives to create awareness within the community by promoting acceptance and inclusion. The community support organisation has struggled this year due to the pandemic and has had to postpone many of its events.

You can support this community by purchasing an item in store. For those interested in astrology and born between April 19-May 20, there is a quirky Taurus mug, retailing for just £2.

Willow Wood 
74 Old Street, Ladysmith Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6LA

Willow Wood provides hospice care and support and has celebrated its 20th anniversary. This year, it’s had a surge of donations, but after two national lockdowns is keen to recruit more volunteers - with lots of roles on offer. Funds from the shop are crucial to the hospice’s services and providing the inpatient unit, day hospice, dementia support, and bereavement counselling. 

In store, you’ll find in-style clothes, just like the plaid patterned dress above, priced at only £7. 

Barnardo’s 
102 Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6DJ

During the first lockdown in summer, Barnardo’s reported fundraising losses in the millions of pounds. On re-opening, the cost of sanitisers, gloves and masks far exceeded their profits, used to support and care for children. But, like so many other shops, donations have poured in, forcing Barnardo’s to impose a 65-bag limit on how many they could accept in a day. 

In store, you’ll find quirky knick-knacks. Priced at 50p, a snowman mug is a must. 

British Heart Foundation
36 Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7JS

The British Heart Foundation has been fighting for survival with lockdown threatening staff jobs with the charity predicting that it could have to cut support to research by some £50 million this year. In December, they’d usually be fundraising and rolling out their Christmas raffle, but the pandemic has made this impossible. The charity is now challenging people to buy one pre-loved item online or in-store this Christmas. 

In store, you can find festive goods, including a snow globe at £1.50 and Santa’s little helper outfits for £3. 

The Love of Lacey
140 Stamford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6AD

Providing support and escape for grieving families and carers that have lost young people to sudden death, The Love of Lacey relies on fundraising events to raise crucial funds. Many of their scheduled events have been cancelled, including a high-profile football match between soap stars and the family that started the charity. 

Priced at £3, the squirrel jumper pictured above is a fluffy, festive treat. 

Cancer Research 
30 Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7JS 

Cancer Research has taken many of its products and pre-loved items online, but the shops remain open. Proceeds from the shop go towards the research, advice, and awareness that the charity provides, and is much needed, after the organisation reported losing many millions of pounds in funding this year due to the pandemic and lockdowns. The charity funds scientists, doctors and nurses to help beat cancer sooner.

For lovers of a hot drink, a teapot makes the perfect brew at only £4.99. 

Friends of Tameside Citizen Advice
George Street / Wellington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne

The charity shop is part of a service that provides impartial advice to people and improves the policies and practices that affect their lives. With a dedicated book alcove and glass case containing porcelain pieces, it offers a range of pre-loved items. 

A floral handbag for £2 is functional and fashionable. 

Wooden Canal Boat Society
173 Stamford Street Central, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7PS

One of the problems facing the Woodland Canal Boat Society has been a lack of drivers to collect larger donations. With removal men no longer permitted to enter properties, donations must be left outside, meaning those living alone are unable to carry them out. However, the charity has seen a surge of other donations, and is looking forward to seeing shoppers again. 

A LOVE plaque, that could be hung anywhere in the house, is only £3. 

Age UK
20 Market Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6AL 

Older people are looking ahead to a Christmas like no other in living memory. With many spending the festive period alone this year, Age UK are, as always, offering expert information, advice and friendship. They are determined to be there for those who need them, but they cannot do it without your support. 

A great gift for sports fanatics was this Pencil Cricket game, on offer at £1. 

Scope
17 Delamere Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7LZ

Scope, the disability equality charity in both England and Wales, helps to provide information and emotional support when it’s most needed. They campaign relentlessly to create a fairer society for all. 

With the shops now being open again, the charity is asking for as much support as possible this year. A lovely gift for men would be these fisherman handkerchiefs, which you’re able to purchase for £1.50. 

There are many more across the borough... 

There are a huge number of charity shops across Tameside and Glossop alongside the 12 we've visited - all packed with great gift ideas as well as all being in need of your support. 

Emmaus Mossley is just one of them and is a treasure trove of Christmas gift ideas. The charity supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. 

The charity’s shop at Longlands Mill sells a wide range of donated and up-cycled furniture, household goods and vintage wares.

Rob, one of the community members at Emmaus Mossley, said: “It’s challenging times for everyone at the moment, but we’re all looking forward to working together as a team to bring the Christmas spirit to Emmaus Mossley.”

The Emmaus Mossley Secondhand Superstore offers a range of affordable festive items.

The charity is keen to promote the benefits of shopping second-hand at Christmas, helping to reduce waste and reduce the costs of buying new.

Hazel Hodkinson, retail manager at Emmaus Mossley, said: “We know that this year, more than others, many people and households may be cutting back on what they usually spend. Here at Emmaus Mossley, we want to help everyone get sorted for Christmas without breaking the bank.”

Other charity shops you might like to visit in the Christmas countdown include:

• The Anthony Seddon Shop, George Street, Ashton, OL6 6AQ.

• Millstream Animal Shelter Charity Shop, 190 Oldham Road, Ashton, OL7 9AN.

• British Red Cross Shop, 34-38 Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge, SK15 2JN

• Crohns and Colitis Concern UK, 15 Clarendon Street, Hyde, SK14 2EL.

• Sue Ryder Care, 2 Howard Place, Hyde, SK14 2TA.

• Mencap, Lime Square, Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, M11 1DA.

• The Lighthouse, 16 Stamford Street, Mossley, OL5 0HR.