Run by the national charity United Response, Cheriton Community Donation Station is a much-loved charity shop which supports people with a learning disability, autism and Down syndrome.
It also offers work experience to local people with a learning disability, autism, anxiety disorders, communication and speech problems and also people within the community who want to give back to their community and also combat isolation.
We caught up with Helen Lawrence, co-ordinator for the station who works with a team of 19 volunteers, to find out a little bit more about how the Cheriton Community Donation Station works and how our readers might be able to support it.
“For the community, by the community”
As a not-for-profit organisation, the station receives donations from the local community which they then sell back to the community at a reduced price. The money raised then goes on to help in a number of different ways, more recently helping homeless people and those evicted from their homes during the pandemic.
The charity is currently looking forward to Cheriton Christmas Light switch-on event on November 27th which was unfortunately delayed last year due to COVID. The charity focus on giving back and raising the community spirit through engaging with the local residents.
The store, based at 23 Cheriton High Street, is open from 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday and always welcomes donations and volunteers. Please be advised they are unable to accept furniture and baby accessories so please contact 07594 221179 to enquire about donations and volunteering your time.