AWBS members may want to make a donation to charities where they live.

There are several ways to make a donation:

a. If you know the name of a charity, check it is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales before making a donation directly to the charity of your choice.

If your chosen charity is small and has a turnover of less than £5,000, it won't registered with the Charity Commission.

Small Berkshire charities may appear on Localgiving.com which means each charity has been independently vetted by the Berkshire Community Foundation, in a process approved by the Charity Commission.

b. If you don't know any specific charities by name, then consider giving to two local umbrella charities, the Berkshire Community Foundation or the Community Foundation for Surrey who in turn provide funding to all groups across both counties.

Donating Household Goods

Moving shortly? Want to donate the things you can't take with you? One of our AWBS members (Meg Griffith) who works for a local charity is offering you a solution. The Besom in Runnymede can help by picking up large household items (and accepting other household goods) that can be passed on to people who really need them. Those who are re-housed are often given flats with absolutely nothing in them. Those escaping domestic violence may have to leave all their possessions behind. Through a network of contacts in social services, charities, refuges and family centres Besom is able to match up the donated items to local people who need it most. Call 01784 470387 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have goods to donate.

Another alternative is to try the Surrey Reuse Network (SRN) made up of six charities which finds new homes for donated furniture and whote goods whilse helping local families in need of affordable furniture. Visit www.surreyreusenetwork.org.uk or call 0800 082 0180 to donate your unwanted items. Charity donations of up to 15 pounds are requested to help with removal costs.

Berkshire residents may wish to try the Slough Furniture Project on 01753 692535 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .