Charity shop

They sell mainly used goods such as clothing, books, music albums, shoes, toys, and furniture donated by the public, and are often staffed by volunteers.

), operating costs (maintenance, municipal service fees, electricity, heat, telephone, limited advertising) and the building lease or mortgage.

[1] During World War I, various fund-raising activities occurred, such as a charity bazaar in Shepherd Market, London, which made £50,000 for the Red Cross.

[citation needed] The first Oxfam charity shop in the United Kingdom was established by Cecil Jackson-Cole in Broad Street, Oxford, and began trading in December 1947.

In addition, reusing second-hand items is a form of recycling, and thus reduces the amount of waste going to landfill sites.

It explains that washing purchased items in hot water is just one of several ways to eliminate the risk of contracting infectious diseases.

[5] Charity shops also tend to be relatively inexpensive which has led to an increase in their popularity during the United Kingdom cost of living crisis.

[11] The Blue Cross, founded as a Christian organization,[12] runs 55 charity shops in the country, and focuses mainly on helping alcoholics, addicts and other socially marginalized groups.

Other charities with a strong presence on high streets in the UK include The Children's Society, YMCA, British Heart Foundation, Barnardos, Cancer Research UK, Shelter, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged), Marie Curie Cancer Care, Norwood, Save the Children, Scope, PDSA, Naomi House Children's Hospice and Sue Ryder Care.

[25] Donations should be taken directly to a charity shop during opening hours, as goods left on the street may be stolen or damaged by passers-by or inclement weather.

[citation needed] 'Standard' charity shops sell a mix of clothing, books, toys, videos, DVDs, music (like CDs, cassette tapes and vinyl) and bric-a-brac (like cutlery and ornaments).

Both stores sell predominantly furniture and white goods but include smaller concessions of clothes, bric-a-brac, books and music.

Although initially intended only for cash donations, the scheme now (since 2006) allows tax on the income earned by charity shops acting as agent for the donor to be reclaimed.

Regional operators include Deseret Industries in the Western United States, and those run by AbleLight in the Upper Midwest.

In addition, some thrift stores are operated by churches as fundraising venues that support activities and missionary work.