Homelessness charity urges public to 'Sift Before You Gift'

Emmaus Mossley launches new campaign to reduce waste disposal costs and support more people out of homelessness

Tameside-based homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley is urging local residents to think twice before donating unwanted goods as part of a new campaign launched this September.

The campaign, titled 'Sift Before You Gift', calls on donors to check the condition and suitability of items before passing them on to the charity’s Secondhand Superstore, which raises vital funds to support people rebuilding their lives after homelessness.

While Emmaus Mossley gratefully receives high-quality pre-loved items, the charity is increasingly facing significant costs to dispose of donations that are broken, incomplete, or unsellable. Currently, waste disposal costs are around £1,500 per month, eating into funds that could be better used to help vulnerable people get back on their feet.

Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Mossley, explained the importance of the campaign: "We're incredibly grateful to the vast majority of our supporters who do sift before they gift and only donate the items they know will be of value to our charity.

"The ongoing challenge we have is to educate everyone, highlighting the items we can and cannot accept, but also explaining why certain donations cannot be taken. Gone are the days when charities could receive anything and everything. The costs of disposing of unsellable and unusable items are ever increasing, and for small charities like ours, those funds are much better directed to the people we support."

Emmaus Mossley provides a home, support, and work opportunities to up to 26 people who have experienced homelessness. The charity helps each individual build their confidence, develop new skills, and gain valuable work experience on their journey toward independent living.

As part of the ‘Sift Before You Gift’ campaign, the charity is reminding donors to avoid dropping off damage crockery, broken or incomplete toys, and worn-out clothes, and to only donate during opening hours. Items left outside the store can be damaged by weather or tampered with, making them unusable and adding to disposal costs.

Emmaus Mossley does its best to keep items out of landfill by repairing furniture, upcycling materials and recycling unsellable goods where possible. However, the charity’s ability to process unsuitable donations is limited by external factors such as the global textile market.

To learn more about what items are accepted and how to donate responsibly, visit: emmaus.org.uk/mossley/donate-goods

Pre-loved items for sale at the Emmaus Mossley Secondhand Superstore