Have a heart and donate to charity shops

A HEART charity has appealed for donations to its shops after its supplies dropped by a fifth.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said Edinburgh shops were busier than ever, but donations of goods to sell were lagging.

The charity said the tough economic climate meant people were more likely to hold on to items, or attempt to sell them.

Jane Flannery, regional manager of BHF Scotland shops, said: "We have had great support this year and have proven to be a popular choice for shoppers despite the credit crunch, with customers looking for good quality products at competitive prices.

"But we have seen a dramatic fall in donated stock this year, and with Christmas and the New Year being the busiest time of the calendar for us, we urgently need donations to fill our shelves.

"The Christmas break offers a perfect opportunity to have a clear-out to make room for new gifts and to donate any unwanted items that won't be used. By donating unwanted Christmas gifts, not only are people keeping their homes clutter-free, they are also helping to save lives."