Charity shop in Köln

Charity shops usually hand out used or donated goods such as outerwear, underwear, shoes and bed linen to people in need at low prices, in redemption of vouchers or free of charge. Employees of charity shops are commonly volunteers or permanently unemployed persons to support their re-integration into regular labor market.

Beneficiaries of donations are usually homeless or unemployed people and welfare recipients. But also pensioners, trainees and students who have to manage with little money.

Typical fields of activity of charity shops include the acceptance and hand out of donations. Primarily, used clothing, shoes, bed linen, sleeping bags, towels and accessories such as belts, gloves, bags are being donated.

Charity shops are pleased to receive donations by private individuals. The donators should, however, make sure that the donated goods are still usable by other people. Enterprises are also welcome to give donations, for instance in case of over production, changing collections or misprint.