Charity shop in survival battle

5:30pm Friday 10th October 2008

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A CHARITY shop which provides a valuable service for vulnerable people across York says it needs help in order to survive.

Autism Plus charity shop, in Goodramgate, relies on donations but has seen an alarming fall in contributions over the past year.

Staff and volunteers who run the shop, one of six Autism Plus charity shops in Yorkshire, say the charity is feeling the effects of the credit-crunch.

Marketing assistant Katie Welch said people are reluctant to hand over possessions as the economic downturn continues to bite.

She has urgently appealed for fresh stock such as clothing, shoes, handbags, books and bric-a-brac to keep the shop afloat.

Formerly known as Thorne House Services for Autism, all profits go towards providing care and support for children and adults with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other related conditions.

Ms Welch said: “We are just not receiving enough donated goods from the public. Compared with last year, the number of people wanting to give up some possessions is significantly lower.

“I think the main problem is the ongoing credit-crunch problems – people are clinging on to their things rather then giving them to charity. We are finding that if people do want to donate, then sadly they are just not high quality enough for us to sell.

“We would ask anyone if they can help us to please step forward and help us. We urgently need items to sell. We are providing services right across the city which would be greatly missed if they were not here.”

There are nine charity shops in Goodramgate alone, including Oxfam’s flagship York store.

Ms Welch said the charity shop was struggling to keep up with the competition.

“We understand that all charity shops rely on donations, but we really would appreciate the help of York residents to help us,” she said.

Shop manager Chris Brown said: “We heavily rely on the support of the public to help us continue our work for the charity, but we seem to be getting neglected of late.

“Donations from the community will help us to support many people with autism and helps them to lead better lives.”

Donations can be taken directly to the shop. The charity also welcomes volunteers in its shops. To contact the York Autism Plus charity shop, phone 01904 643571.