Isabel Hospice launches new urgent stock appeal campaign

The campaign calls on the local community to donate their unwanted quality goods and support the Welwyn Garden City-based charity's vital work.

Running from mid-July for four weeks, the appeal aims to bolster the charity’s stock offering across its 16 shops and highly successful eBay shop, to ensure continued care for patients and families in the area.

Charlotte Greenwood, head of retail and marketing for Isabel Hospice, said: “We are reaching out to our generous donors and the wider community.

“The donations we receive through our shops, Welwyn Garden City donation centre, and Tonnes of Care mobile donation days are critical to sustaining our services.

"We need your help now more than ever to continue providing the high-quality care our patients and their families rely on.”

Isabel Hospice relies heavily on stock donations in its shops to fund its operations. However, several factors — including the rise of selling platforms like Vinted and Depop — have impacted volume and quality of stock across the sector, as individuals increasingly opt to sell their second-hand items personally, prompting the urgent appeal.

‘Donate, To Feel Great’ aligns perfectly with Isabel Hospice’s sustainability initiative, Tonnes of Care, launched in 2022 with a mission to turn pre-loved items into nursing hours.

Isabel Hospice's Charlotte Greenwood (Image: Isabel Hospice)

Every year British households throw 300,000 tonnes of clothes away in their rubbish bins. Instead of discarding items that still have plenty of life left in them, Isabel Hospice give them a second chance — extending their lifecycle, reducing the demand for new products, and thus supporting the circular economy.

The new appeal encourages donations of clothing, accessories, homeware, vinyl records, small electricals, collectables, and other saleable items.

Find a full list on their website www.isabelhospice.org.uk/what-to-donate.

A hospice spokesperson added: “We urge the public to have a summer declutter and donate to Isabel Hospice over the next few weeks. Think about that summer dress that you haven’t worn for several years or the ornament gathering dust in the corner — will you ever wear it; do you still need it?

"Our Donate, To Feel Great campaign will not only support Isabel Hospice but will make you feel fantastic too — ridding your home of unwanted and unused items, saving the planet, and supporting a local charity.

“Finally, don’t forget to Gift Aid your donation. If you are a UK taxpayer, we can claim an extra 25 per cent from the Government on the sale of your item — at no cost to you! Just ask to sign up when you donate, it takes no more than two minutes of your time and means a lot to us!”

Charity managers ask that if planning to drop a particularly large number of donations to one of their shops to call them directly and ensure they have enough space to accept it that day. They also request donations not be left outside closed shops out of hours.

If you know of a company with surplus stock, whether it's clothing, homeware, or even retail fixtures, have you considered donating these items? Your contributions could make a significant difference to the charity. Reach out by emailing charlotte.greenwood@isabelhospice.org.uk.

How to Donate

As the new campaign launches, there's a number of ways to donate

Shops: Donations can be dropped off at any of Isabel Hospice's 16 shops during opening hours (do not leave outside closed shops). For larger donation hauls, call the shop first to ensure they have room to accept the donation that day. Find your nearest shop at www.isabelhospice.org.uk.

Donation Centre: You can drop your donations off at the dedicated Donation Centre in Welwyn Garden City. The convenient facility allows you to simply park up at the door and is open Monday to Friday — 9.30am to 4pm — and Saturdays — 10am to 2pm. It is located at 61 Bridge Road East, AL7 1JR.

Tonnes of Care Days: These mobile donation days are held periodically throughout the year in convenient locations such as Van Hage, Great Amwell, and the Dutch Nursery. Just look out for the van! Dates can be found on the website. Businesses are also encouraged to get involved by organising donation drives for their employees or customers.

To keep up to date with the Donate, Feel Great campaign, follow @IsabelHospiceShops on Instagram.  

About Isabel Hospice

Isabel Hospice has been providing free palliative care to its patients and their families since 1982.

It provides support and care to people in eastern Hertfordshire who are affected by life-limiting illnesses through its Hospice at Home, In-Patient Unit, Community Team, Living Well with Isabel programme and its Family and Bereavement support service. 

Isabel Hospice’s clinical teams work closely with other healthcare providers in the area, including care homes, hospitals and GP surgeries, improving access to services and sharing knowledge and expertise. 

The hospice’s services are free of charge to those who need them, but they are not without cost, meaning £7 million must be raised each year to guarantee the future of care for eastern Hertfordshire. 

Isabel Hospice has 16 shops across eastern Hertfordshire, as well as a successful eBay platform with 30,000 followers.

In 2022, Isabel Hospice launched Tonnes of Care, an award-winning sustainability initiative to save 25,000 tonnes from landfill. The campaign supports the circular economy through sustainable shopping, saving millions of items from landfill and passing on great value to the local community.