The recession may be over, but the nation is still reeling from the impact.

We don’t need a reminder that it was the worst for 60 years, and talks of a double-dip recession have compounded the financial anxiety many of us have been facing as we all tighten our belts.

The fact that many charity shop doors are emblazoned with posters appealing for stock indicates that people may be hanging on to their clothes and other items, making them last, rather than recycling them, but charity shops need stock to sell to fund the valuable work they do globally, nationally and within our local communities.

These are already testing times for charity shops, but one in particular is facing a greater struggle than most.

The fire at Oxfam’s Wastesaver premises in Huddersfield last weekend has led to a desperate appeal for stock. More than £1 million-worth of damage was caused to the building which sorts 12,000 tonnes of clothes, textiles and shoes every year.

The fire, which is not being treated as suspicious, also destroyed stock destined for shops, many of which are dotted around Bradford district.

“The donations need to be coming in at the same rate and we want to encourage people not to stand back or refrain from donating because we really had a lot of damage and stock loss,” says an Oxfam spokesman, who estimates around £150,000 worth of stock has been destroyed in the blaze.

She says the charity is endeavouring to continue the operation at an alternative site, but adds: “It is important to keep the level of donations exactly the same, if not more.”

Carl Knott, manager of the Oxfam shop in Darley Street, Bradford, says donations were down 15 per cent at the beginning of last year, but are beginning to pick up which, he says, reflects the generosity of the people in Bradford.

“They have shown us a lot of support and generosity even during tough times by keeping bringing in good-quality donations.

“People have less money to spend, big sales are starting earlier and discounting more, and we have to work harder than ever to maintain the high quality of donations which we are known for in the area,” he says.

“More good-quality stock is always needed, especially when the number of our customers, who are trying to save a few pennies is increasing.”

People can also help by volunteering. “People underestimate how important volunteers are for us. There are 22,000 people who volunteer in Oxfam shops in the UK and at the Wastesaver plant, and without them Oxfam simply would not exist and our work would not be possible,” says Carl.

“Committed volunteers are helping sort donations at the damaged plant in Huddersfield to keep our operation running. They are our heroes.”

Donations are the lifeblood of the charity’s shops and donations will not only replenish the stock they lost in the blaze, they will also contribute to Oxfam’s missions throughout the world.

The charity is a major contributor to global humanitarian projects. The charity is currently reaching more than 1.95 million people with humanitarian aid in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh following the devastating floods.

Last month the charity launched a £10 million appeal for its work helping people caught up in political violence in the West African country of Ivory Coast.

The charity has deployed a team of aid experts and has airlifted relief supplies into Liberia for up to 100,000 people, including water tanks and drilling equipment, together with essential supplies.

Next weekend the donation drive begins for the charity’s annual Bookfest, running from May 14 to June 6. The charity is asking for book donations as soon as possible. The sale of three books is enough to provide a child with school supplies, the sale of 12 books is sufficient to train a teacher, while the sale of 179 books is sufficient to set up a library.

Oxfam’s charity shops in our area are at Darley Street, Bradford; Duckworth Lane, Bradford; The Grove, Ilkley; Low Street, Keighley; Tarn House, High Street, Yeadon; Town Street, Horsforth, and Northgate, Cleckheaton.