A BASINGSTOKE charity is calling for volunteers to help man their donation centre, after it reopened this week.

St Michael's Hospice, a palliative care provider, say that they've been experiencing a significant upturn in donations since the centre, in Onslow Close off Wade Road, reopened.

With lockdown easing, many families are decluttering their homes, and the hospice are looking for volunteers to help take these donations in.

Ann Schuster, Head of Retail for St. Michael’s Hospice said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has already dropped off their donations, helping us to raise much needed income after the closure of our charity stores during lockdown.

"With all the donations we receive now being sorted at our donation centre, we are looking for further volunteers to assist us for a few hours a week on a regular basis.”

One of those that has already been helping out is 24-year-old Alexandra Morris, currently on furlough.

“After being furloughed, I needed something to get me out of bed in the morning," she said.

"I wanted to be useful, rather than sitting at home watching Netflix. A friend mentioned volunteering here, and it has been a great way for me to get back to doing something productive.

"The team have been really welcoming and are happy to give me pointers whenever I have a question.

"I have been helping by sorting through donations, ready for either sale in the stores or for recycling.

"It is always interesting to open a bag of donations to see what is inside, although I was sad saying goodbye earlier to some lovely shoes which were my size."

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