Archive Council News

08.03.07

Charity & Door to Door Clothing Collections

Residents in Wrexham are being advised by Trading Standards to check with the Charity Commission before donating clothing to what they believe to be a registered Charity.

The advice follows numerous calls to Trading Standards officers from residents concerned about leaflets and collection bags that have been left with them. The number of private companies now collecting items is on the increase and it is not always clear whether donations are being made to a charity or, in fact, to a private company.

Private companies may state on the collection bag that they are not a charity, but this is not always clear to see as it is often in the small print. They will often have a registered company number which is very similar to a registered charity number.

Registered charities will have a charity number on the bag which can easily be checked for authenticity by contacting the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218, www.charity-commission.gov.uk.

If you wish to donate items to a charity, Trading Standards advise that you check the leaflet or bag carefully and if in doubt contact the Charity Commission for assistance.

For further advice on charity collections and other consumer issues, call Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06