Value books-to-crafts retailer The Works is set to introduce a donation scheme for pre-loved or new toys, games and books, as it teams up with Barnardo’s.
Following a successful trial in 2024, The Works will again work with the children’s charity to offer a take-back offering after the festive season.
The Play It Forward initiative enables customers to donate new and pre-loved items, such as books, games, toys, stationery and jigsaws, that are in good, reusable condition to help children in need.
Some 466 stores will feature donation bins which Barnardo’s will then collect the products from and resell them to help raise funds for the charity.
Furthermore, any products donated that are not in a resalable condition will be recycled, preventing items ending up in landfill and supporting The Works’ wider commitment to reduce carbon footprint.
“At The Works, we strive to give back to our communities that we are part of, so we’re really proud to be partnering with Barnardo’s this year and help out in essential fundraising,” said Lynne Tooms, chief commercial officer at The Works.
“Minimising waste and conserving resources are central principles of our environmental commitments. Providing new homes for pre-loved items through circular initiatives such as the Barnardo’s Play it Forward scheme not only fulfils these commitments, but also enables us to achieve significant carbon emissions savings by extending the lifetime of pre-loved products, while generating vital funds to support Barnardo’s essential operations.”
The majority (85%) of The Works stores have a Barnardo’s charity shop locally, which they can work with.
“All of the items donated will be resold in Barnardo’s shops to raise vital income for the children and young people in need. This great partnership also fits in with our sustainability goals by reusing materials, preserving resources for future generations,” added Abigail Birtles, sustainability manager at Barnardo’s.
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