Charity shops are facing depleting stocks.

The recession has had some contribution, but it also some householders are finding that goods they put out for charities to collect are often being intercepted by bogus collectors.

For charities such as the British Heart Foundation, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Age UK, over-the-door donations and items they collect from householders’ homes are their lifeblood, contributing to the finances they rely on to provide the support and services they deliver.

The current financial climate has also played a part in diminishing donations. In a recession, people are more likely to hang on to things rather than replace them, yet the demand for cheap, second-hand goods is rising from cash-strapped shoppers.

Now it seems the signs are literally on the doors for some charity shops who are being forced to issue urgent appeals to boost stocks.

The Age UK shop in Ilkley, one of the most affluent areas of the district, recently issued a desperate appeal for stock after seeing a dramatic drop in donations. Manager Julie Cook said donations had dropped to half their normal level.

Stephen Wooldridge, head of retail operations at Age UK, says one-third of the charity’s national income comes from its 450 charity shops.

“We collect, and that is way down year-on-year. It is compounded by an influx of bogus collectors who set themselves up and say they are a charity, but are collecting things off the doorsteps and exporting them to Eastern Europe,” explains Stephen.

He says they had also seen a marked decline in over-the-door donations of clothing and shoes. “We are about 12 per cent down year-on-year in terms of the level of donations and that is attributable, most probably, to the impact of the recession – people holding on to their things longer.

“It is very difficult at the moment and we are encouraging people to have a look in their wardrobes and see if there is anything they can give. It will be gratefully received.”

Mavis Dillon, area manager for British Heart Foundation charity shops in Bradford, says the charity saw a 25 per cent drop in household collections during 2009/10 due to commercial activity costing them £3 million which could have been spent in the fight against heart disease.

“We are warning people to be vigilant when making doorstep donations of second-hand goods as they could be lining the pockets of third-party organisations working for commercial gain, not the charity. We carry out doorstep collections using clearly-identified vans and drivers, who will always show identification,” says Mavis.

She says that last year BHF shops raised more than £26 million, helping thousands of vulnerable heart patients across the country.

“Stock is the lifeblood of our business and we absolutely rely on the support of the Bradford community to keep us running and, without their vital donations, we risk reducing the care and support available to heart patients across the country.”

The charity is appealing to people to help boost its stocks through its annual campaign, The Big Donation, which will be launched on Saturday, September 3, to coincide with National Donate Day.

Alec Barclay, head of shops at Marie Curie, which has shops and a hospice in Bradford, says the need for high-quality, unwanted items is a “perpetual challenge.”

“I do understand people are challenged by the economic climate – they may not be replacing things or clothing as much as they used to, so they may be holding on to things for longer,” he says.

Alec says he also appreciates many charities are competing for donated goods and that there are other recycling opportunities available such as council recycling centres.

“Charity shops are one of the most effective ways people can recycle unwanted items, and many of the items they donate go to be re-used, which can only be a good thing.”

On average, each bag of donated goods raises £20, which provides one hour of Marie Curie nursing care. Recycling goods also reduces landfill which is beneficial to the environment.

“The most important thing to remember is charities also need the support of the general public in these difficult economic times more than ever. Our shop provides a vital source of income to Marie Curie cancer care.”

* To find your nearest BHF shop, call 0844 4125000. For information about Marie Curie shops, visit mariecurie.org.uk/ shopfinder, or for Age UK, visit ageuk.org.uk.