Outside Children’s Hospice South West (Photo credits: Tia Boddey)
Falmouth’s Children’s Hospice South West is calling on locals to keep the donations coming, even after Halloween.
Manager Tanya Henderson said any donations, big or small, make a huge difference in running the charity.
Charity shops can be a gold mine for last minute costumes, but many Halloween items are used just once and then thrown away.
In fact, Halloween is notorious for single use purchases and waste, from costumes and decorations to food.
According to Less Waste, an estimated seven million costumes are thrown away each year.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to worry about our planet,” says Tanya.
“Instead of throwing [costumes] away and only using them for one night, there’s always someone else who’d love them and maybe they can re-donate them next year as well.”
Top shelf of the Halloween section with signage on how donations help (Photo credits: Tia Boddey)
The shop accepts donations all year round, so there’s never a bad time to give.
“If you donate something to us in January, for example, something Halloween-themed, we’ll actually put the item away until next Halloween.”
A crow chained to a witch in the window display (Photo credits: Tia Boddey)
Donating your Halloween items not only reduces plastic waste but gives clothes a second life.
“We’re actually really desperate for donations,” says Tanya.
“It would be amazing if anyone’s got any bits and pieces they want to bring down.”
All of the money raised from donations goes towards supporting three hospices across the South West.
These hospices provide specialist care and support for children and young people with life threatening and life limiting conditions and their families.
So, whether you’re finished with your Halloween things, making some room for Christmas, or just having a clear out, the shop would appreciate any items that could be given a second life.
Donations are preferred before 11am and after 4pm – all you have to do is take your stuff up to the till.