We collect
Plastic Milk Bottle Tops – NO LONGER ACCEPTED
Where previously we welcomed milk bottle tops, we are now very sorry to say that we can no longer accept these as our former volunteer is unable to continue the work of recycling these for us. If we become aware of any other outlet where your milk bottle tops can be donated, we will announce it here, but in the meantime please DO NOT send these into the Friends.
Postage Stamps and Postcards
All kinds of stamps are collected and sold to dealers, private buyers and via Eastbourne Auctions, who are supporters of the Friends. Please do drop any and all stamps and postcards in – with a note of your name and contact details if you’d like to know how much your kind donation raised for the Friends – and in case we stumble across a Penny Black! Please do not remove stamps from postcards, which are sold separately.
Knitting Wool
Our volunteers make many items from donated wool including baby clothes and toys. If you would like to knit for us, please contact the Friends Shop.All donations of wool are gratefully received.
Haberdashery Items
Bits and pieces such as ribbons, buttons, beads, textured fabrics are used by our volunteer knitters and crafters.
Silver, Jewellery & Bags
Jeanette and June sell donated items of silver and jewellery on their stall at events. They will take any items including broken watches and costume jewellery. Eastbourne Auctions support the ladies by auctioning the more valuable items and selling bags to collectors.
New Gift Items / Unwanted Presents
New unopened and unused gifts are sold at our events. We do not have a bric-a-brac stall so are unable to take used items. We also welcome unopened bottles of wine, spirits, chocolates and jams etc with time before their use by date which make welcome raffle prizes.
Inkjet Printer Cartridges
We receive money for every inkjet cartridge that is recycled with Recycle4Charity. Please bring your used cartridges into the shop or visit Recycle4Charity for further information or to download a freepost label.
Silk flowers and flower baskets
Although our Flower Shop has not been operational since the pandemic, volunteers do take silk flowers and decorations and can make small arrangements to be sold in the Main Shop. Silk flower arrangements are popular, and your donation could bring a smile to someone’s face.
Bathroom products (New)
We take unopened/unused items such as make up, creams, soaps, hair products and gift packs which we sell at our events.
Books
Ann and Bruce, who run the book stall, would normally be happy to collect donations of hardback or paperback books. However, they currently have too many to store so we suggest that you donate them to another worthy cause or please do keep hold of them until we have space to take them. Alternatively, you can conveniently sell them via ziffit.com and donate the proceeds to the Friends.
Greeting cards – no longer collected
How to donate
Please bring your donations to the Friends Office or the Friends Shop, which is in the main foyer of the hospital. Alternatively, call the office on 01323 749503 and we can discuss possible collection options.