Family retailer, The Works, has again partnered with children’s charity, Barnardo’s, to roll out a takeback donation scheme following the festive season and a successful trial in 2024.
Starting in January and continuing as part of a long-term charitable partnership, The Works will launch the Play It Forward scheme, whereby customers will be able to donate new and preloved items that are in good, reusable condition to help children in need. Donations can be made at designated donation bins across 466 selected The Works stores across Great Britain. Items can be books, games, toys, stationery and jigsaws.
With every donation, Barnardo’s will collect the products and resell them to help raise the vital funds needed for the charity that helps young people, children, parents and carers across the UK. £10 can provide a family with food for two days, £25 covers school essentials or wellbeing activities, £50 offers specialist support to help families overcome hardship, and £100 can give five children the chance to explore new opportunities and enjoy being children. Any products donated not in a resalable condition will be recycled to prevent items ending up in landfill and supporting The Works’ wider commitment to reduce carbon footprint.
“We strive to give back to our communities that we are part of, so we’re really proud to be partnering with Barnardo’s this year and help out in essential fundraising”
Lynne Tooms, chief commercial officer at The Works, said: “We strive to give back to our communities that we are part of, so we’re really proud to be partnering with Barnardo’s this year and help out in essential fundraising.
“Minimising waste and conserving resources are central principles of our environmental commitments. Providing new homes for pre-loved items through circular initiatives such as the Barnardo’s ‘Play it Forward’ scheme not only fulfils these commitments but also enables us to achieve significant carbon emissions savings by extending the lifetime of pre-loved products, while generating vital funds to support Barnardo’s essential operations.”
Abigail Birtles, sustainability manager at Barnardo’s, said: “We’re really excited to partner with The Works on the Play it Forward takeback scheme. The Works’ mission is aligned perfectly with Barnardo’s’ and 85% of The Works stores do have a local Barnardo’s charity shop that they can team up with. All of the items donated will be resold in Barnardo’s shops to raise vital income for the children and young people in need. This great partnership also fits in with our sustainability goals by reusing materials, preserving resources for future generations.”
Established in 1981, The Works is a leading family-friendly retailer of value gifts, arts, crafts, toys, books, and stationery. With 506 stores nationwide and a strong multi-channel proposition, The Works offers customers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, whilst inspiring and empowering customers to read, learn, create, and play.
