Red Cross shops appeal for stock as part of Haiti emergency appeal

The British Red Cross is, for the first time, appealing for stock for its 316 stores as part of an emergency appeal.

It has taken the unusual step in response to the public's desire to help its work in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. It says that it is offering the public another way to help support its work at this time.

Until Saturday 13 February British Red Cross shops will be accepting donations of good quality clothing, books, household items and unwanted gifts to sell for the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

People can drop off their donated goods at their local Red Cross shop, say they want them to be sold for Haiti, and they will be specially labelled for shoppers to see.

British Red Cross Director of Fundraising, Mark Astarita, said: "We are responding to customers and donors' desire to do that bit more for Haiti. Cash is best but for many it may not be an option.

"We can't send donated goods to Haiti but this is a way of turning an unwanted Christmas gift into cash that will go directly to help the thousands of people affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

New British Red Cross till (photo: British Red Cross)

"We have not done something like this in retail in recent memory and it has been made possible by our high tech tills that can track and bank to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal."

www.redcross.org.uk