Whiteley launches clothing donation point to help spread cheer this Christmas

Visitors to the centre over the coming weeks will spot a purple clothes donation bin, located in Market Square, where they can donate items such as wearable clothing, paired shoes, accessories and blankets to the Cash for Kids Textile Recycling initiative.

The appeal aims to raise vital funds for local children in need, with the charity’s recycling partners donating money for every tonne of clothes received, not only helping to protect the environment but also raising funds to support those that may be struggling over the festive season and beyond.

The clothes donation point will be available until the end of January, with the money raised going directly to supporting those most in need across the local community this Christmas.

Mia Gordon, centre manager at Whiteley, said: “We’re so proud to be supporting Cash for Kids this Christmas, in addition to our wider community activity on site. Community is at the heart of everything we do at Whiteley, and we’re always looking for ways to give back – especially over the festive season which can be a difficult period for many.

“We’ve had such a brilliant response to the clothes donation initiative so far, and we can’t thank our visitors enough who have donated already.”

This year, Whiteley also announced the return of its Merry Mailbox initiative in partnership with Age Concern Hampshire, with shoppers encouraged to share messages of joy and support in Christmas cards. These will then be distributed by the charity to vulnerable members of the community, spreading joy and connection over the festive period.

Starbucks at Whiteley also recently partnered with local charity Sophie’s Legacy to launch a Giving Tree, where shoppers could donate gifts and presents to children that might otherwise go without this Christmas.

To find out more about the Cash for Kids clothing donation, visit www.cashforkids.org.uk/fundraising/textile-recycling/

For more information and to plan your day out to Whiteley over the festive season, visit www.whiteleyshopping.co.uk/christmas