The BHF Big Donation

The nation's heart charity is calling on the people of Sussex to donate good quality items to help reach its target of 7 million worth of donations nationwide.

That's equivalent to 350,000 bags of good quality stock to be taken into BHF Shops or participating Argos, Homebase or Lidl stores across the country.

he appeal comes as the charity reveals a 20% drop in stock donations over the last 12 months, despite BHF Shops being busier than ever.

Preston Davies Area Manager for Sussex BHF Shops, said:

"The BIG Donation is the biggest challenge of its kind in the country and I'm positive that our local residents will help us to smash the target for our area and out-donate every other region in the UK.

"In times of a recession, our Shops offer something unique, a great shopping experience with competitive prices. But good quality stock is the lifeblood of our Shops and it's disheartening to see a drop in donations.

"If you have a look in your home, no doubt you will find items like that dress you bought for your best friend's wedding that no longer fits, a shirt that looked great in the shop but not in the light of day, the unread books on your shelf that are just gathering dust.

"Nine books donated to a BHF Shop can buy an hour of life saving research into heart disease by a leading scientist. Just one pair of good quality shoes can help a cardiac nurse provide vital information for a parent whose child has just been diagnosed with congenital heart disease.

"Seven handbags can fund a Heartstart UK training pack to teach people what to do in a life-threatening emergency and one sofa can fund a state of the art heart scan."

Everyone can help by donating good quality clothing, accessories, music, DVDs, books, toys and bric-a-brac, to any BHF Shop or participating Homebase, Argos and Lidl store.

Act now and be a part of the Big Donation by filling up a bag or give unwanted furniture or electrical items a new home by calling any of the BHF Furniture and Electrical stores for a FREE collection. You can even organise your own BIG Donation event at work or college.

For more information on The BIG Donation, to find your closest designated drop-point, or register for your free BIG Donation Event pack visit the website at: www.bhf.org.uk/bigdonation.

To find your nearest BHF Shop, call 0844 412 5000.