Local charity Age UK Sheffield will launch its latest charity shop on Ecclesall Road near Chelsea Park this Thursday, marking the fourth branch in the city.
Residents can come between 9am and 5pm every Monday to Saturday to purchase a wide variety of items, including clothes for men, women and children, books, tableware and vinyl, while supporting a cause.
Kelli Diener, the Retail Development Manager of the store, said: “We’ve been having the shop fitted out and decorated for a month. In the time we’ve been here, we’ve had people knocking on the door asking when we’re opening.
“People passing see us and come with bags of donations so we’re getting a very good feeling.
“With the recent cost of living crisis, we’ve had a lot of asks for support. Our phones have been inundated with requests for support, so it’s a bit of a crucial time for us to be helping the community.”
Age UK primarily serves elderly people by providing practical assistance and support for them. It offers free helpline and other resources with the aim to end loneliness and poverty across the country.
The charity organisation also sends independent living coordinators to help older people paying bills, doing housework and getting groceries.
A befriending service is available for elderly people who wish to talk with friendly volunteers and do not have immediate family members living in the same area.
It also runs three dementia cafés in Sheffield to encourage elderly people with early dementia onset to engage in activities with others.
The Banner Cross branch works with others locations in Millhouses, Bradway and Broomhill to maintain a good supply of donated goods in each shop.
Although Age UK Sheffield is a self-funded charity and does not partner with Sheffield City Council, it works with rag merchants to recycle clothes and bags which are too stained and well-worn every week to reduce waste.
Ms Diener added: “We felt as well being a residential area that we would hopefully get lots of donations from people around Banner Cross.
“We definitely need volunteer support to help the shop function, so we’re hoping that whilst we’re open, we’ll attract more people.”
Additional reporting by Peter Li for ShefNews.
