Donating items
By donating goods to Emmaus, you are helping homeless men and women to get back on their feet and also benefiting the environment by saving waste. When things are given to Emmaus they are re-used instead of thrown away.
What does Emmaus do with donated goods?
Emmaus Communities rely on donated goods to make their living. The formerly homeless men and women who live in the Community work full time, collecting goods and re-selling them in the shop. Some items are refurbished or tested before re-sale. The income from this business supports the Community; the aim is that each Community becomes finanically self-sufficient. Companions often say that working helps them regain their self respect because they are learning new skills, working to support themselves and helping others.
What goods does Emmaus take?
The items that each Emmaus shop can accept varies, depending on local circumstances such as space, the skills available and trading standards regulations. Some guidelines are included below but you should contact your nearest Emmaus shop to confirm exactly what they can and can't take.
Most Emmaus shops can accept:
* Good quality furniture in saleable condition
* Books, records, CDs
* Bric a brac, china and glassware
* Upholstered furniture with Fire Safety Label (Furniture and Furnishing Regs 1988)
Some Emmaus shops accept:
* Electrical items (items are tested before re-sale)
* Slightly damaged or worn furniture
* Computer equipment
* White goods (fridges, freezers etc) in working order
* Clean clothes and household linen
* Bicycles
* Scrap metal
Most Emmaus shops cannot accept:
* Gas bottles or appliances
* Very heavy items eg pianos
* Baby items eg prams, high chairs
* Photocopiers
* Paraffin, petrol, paint or other inflammables
Can Emmaus collect items?
Emmaus shops collect larger items for re-sale from their local area free of charge. To find out if your local shop can take a particular item or to arrange collection, please phone or e-mail them directly. Please be aware that at busy periods only, you may need to make an arrangement for a collection in 3 or 4 weeks time.
Next steps...
To find out more or arrange a collection, contact your nearest shop.
