Donations surge as Jersey residents plan to leave island, charity says

A Jersey charity said donations have surged and house clearances have increased as more residents plan to relocate from the island. The spike comes as shops participate in Second Hand September, a month-long campaign encouraging reuse over new purchases.

Elk Hargreaves, the charity's shop general manager, said the period has been exceptionally busy. "We've been quite busy with donations this summer," she said. "We've noticed that a lot of people are leaving the island unfortunately, and so we're seeing a lot more donations, we're doing more house clearances as well. We've been super busy, and it would be lovely if we had some more volunteers to help us."

CRY Jersey said charity shops across the island are embracing Second Hand September, a campaign to encourage re-use rather than buying new items. The charity noted donations have risen, with more house clearances accompanying the influx as people plan departures from the island.

Vintage clothes are proving particularly popular with younger shoppers, Hargreaves added. "Vintage clothes are really popular at the moment, particularly amongst the young ones. They love to come and find something original and unique," she said. She also pointed to the broader appeal of second-hand goods in a period of rising living costs. "A lot of people are struggling at the moment. Coming and finding something within their price range is really important. It's tough out there and people need to watch every penny they've got at the moment," she said.

The pattern of increased donations and house clearances reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior on the island, as Second Hand September encourages reuse amid cost-of-living pressures. CRY Jersey said the uptick in activity has drawn more attention from younger buyers seeking affordable, sustainable options, while the charity continues to rely on volunteers to meet demand.

Staff and volunteers say the current period could last several weeks as more residents finalize relocations and supporters respond to the campaign. CRY Jersey emphasized that volunteer help is crucial to manage the increased volume of donations, house clearances, and customer traffic as the island navigates this busy stretch.