Devon Air Ambulance has urged people to donate some extra items that are not in use.

It has 19 charity shops all across the county and is accepting donations of all kinds for all ages.

The donations help towards a sustainable environment as well as helping someone in need.

The charity shop has urged people not to leave donations outside the office as they are often damaged, destroyed by dogs, rummaged through by passersby, which also contributes to rubbish and waste.

Devon Air Ambulance spokerson Pete Vallance, head of business development at Devon Air Ambulance, said: "There is nothing we would like more than for you to donate your pre-loved items to us and we want every single item to contribute to our life-saving service.

"Our shops are hugely successful thanks to the kind people of Devon who keep us well stocked with everything from clothes and accessories, to toys, games, books and bric-a-brac.

"It is unfortunate and costly to the charity when items are left outside shops that are closed, so I urge you, please wait until our shops reopen on January 4 and don't be tempted to drive by and drop off your items before then."

The charity has put together these simple tips when donating: 

  • Make sure they are completely saleable and not damaged, incomplete or broken – a simple test is to ask yourself: Would I buy it? 
  • Deliver your donations in bags and boxes that can also be donated as special tubs and storage boxes cannot usually be returned. 
  • Wrap more fragile items in bubble wrap or suitable packaging so they don’t become damaged in transit. 
  • Make sure toys, jigsaw puzzles and games with playing pieces are complete – any incomplete ones will have to be disposed of as they are unsaleable. 
  • Devon Air Ambulance can also accept small electrical goods but they must be known to be in good working order – a faulty electrical item should be disposed of at home. 
  • Books can also be donated and those that are not in the best condition will still be accepted as the charity will pass them on to recyclers who will pay the charity in exchange. 
  • If you have large amount of donations, call ahead and make sure the shop you are visiting can accommodate a big intake in one go.

For more items that can be donated or not donated visit the links-

Which items can you donate to our charity shops? (daat.org)

Ways to help | Devon Air Ambulance Trust (daat.org)