Not having a good day so far...and only 8am

shopaholicz

Hi,

last week we had a bag pushed through our door by British Heart Foundation, saying to fill and leave it outside by 8am today.

Well, I didn't want to be up and dressed by 8am, so put it outside just before midnight.

Yes, you guessed it.........At 4am today, I got up to go to the toilet and took a peek outside. Some scumbag had been through the bag, taken what they wanted and scattered the rest. So at 4am, in the rain, I was gathering up and bringing back in the house. They've taken everything but clothes out of the bag.

Now, I didn't want to be up at 8am, but ended getting up at 4am instead as I just couldn't get back to sleep.

I know these were things we didn't want and were prepared to give to charity, but this has really upset me. How can anyone steal from a charity bag!! Some people are just scum!!:(

mandragora_2

Well, given that the only thing you can change about any of this is how you feel about it, perhaps it's worth imagining how desperate someone might have to be before they'd scrabble through a bag of second-hand clothes (in the rain!) left on a doorstep in the middle of the night. Somebody, somewhere, really on their uppers might just be a bit warmer and cleaner today thanks to your generosity - ok, it wasn't intended for them, but either way, you've helped someone out, for nothing more than the kindness of 'donating' something you didn't want any more anyway.

Then, next time, if you don't want to risk it happening again, parcel it up and drop it into the shop of your chosen charity yourself. I definitely don't think it's something you should dwell on and let it spoil one more second of your day.

Katiehound

I would just say don't get yourself in a tizz over it... sadly these things happen. You obviously had some desirable stuff... just hope the thief enjoys it. And however hard up they are, that's what they are ..a thief. It never ceases to amaze me how some people behave...I that poppy tins used to get stolen regularly until the shops actually chained them to the counter. Oh yes, and people steal from charity shops too.........
Seriously 'though I never use the bags. I take the items into the charity shop of my choice (we have at least 8!) and give them Gift Aid as well.
Did the 4am start mean you have you jobs done and can go back to bed??
Hope the rest of the day is a lot better- just try to put it out of your mind 'cos there's nothing you can do .

cathypainter

Would have to agree with other on the forum here.

Although it's not a nice thing, you have helped someone, try not to dwell on it and move on with your day!

Knowing that you have helped 2 different kinds of people!

shopaholicz

Thanks for the support everyone. I'm feeling more positive now I've had a bit more sleep and thought it over.

I've never used one of these bags before, although we have a lot pushed through the letter box. I usually take my stuff to a charity shop near work, but I was a bit busy this weekend.

I'm going back to plan one, fill a bag and take it in myself.

I haven't changed my opinion of the person who stole from the bag, but moving on and won't put temptation in their path again.

notanewuser

Be careful. It's often private companies collecting and then donating a tiny percentage to the charity concerned.

shopaholicz

Oh... I didn't know that. I presumed that it was the actual charity collecting. Thanks for that notanewuser.

Katiehound

It's quite clear from the bags. If it is a very well known charity such as British heart foundation or Age Concern then the bags are collecting items for their shops. However unrecognisable charity bags are likely to be from a charity which uses a private company. I mean the charity is legit but what they get is very likely peanuts.
I am looking at the clutch of bags which came through my door in the last few weeks.

One is for "a smile for a child" (never heard of it)- clothing collection by company "Fox recycling Ltd."

Another The Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance... "Unicare Ltd, in commercial partnership with (the named charity) is operating the collection service. Our aim is to raise at least £2500 per month."
Big business.

I can tell you that one local charity shop run by volunteers in a low waged area raises at least £50,000 per year and they don't go out collecting!
I would far rather support known local charities or charities with a local presence then an unknown commercial enterprize!

Katiehound

I've just found yet another bag... which says "the charity will receive at least £60 for every tonne of clothing collected"
Since the textile recycling firms pay 50 pence per kilo to the general public... I think my maths is correct here!......that =£500 per tonne...... and look the charity gets a whole £60!!
Avoid these bags like the plague, the firms are making money for themselves. It's a business.