This month, local charity Cotswold Friends is collecting charity bag donations with a company called Rags2Riches to help raise funds to deliver its various community services for older and vulnerable people.

Rags2Riches organise charity bag collections for schools, clubs and charities and pay by the kilo for any items.

Cotswold Friends runs several services in the North Cotswolds, including community transport, activities and day clubs, independence and carer support, befriending, and hospital support.

The charity’s aim is to combat loneliness and isolation through its voluntary services, to improve health and wellbeing, and support independent living.

You can help Cotswold Friends raise funds by donating clean clothes, paired shoes, belts, handbags, jewellery, and accessories.

All items must be clean, put into bags and dropped off at its office in Moreton-in-Marsh, in the Cotswold District Council building on the High Street, between Monday 20th and Thursday 23rd June.

Items that can be donated include babywear, childrenswear, teen wear, jeans, bras, swimwear, lingerie, vest tops, sportswear, shoes (pairs), sports shoes, boots, T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, jumpers, high heels (pairs), sandals, belts, hats, jackets, coats, dresses, leather tops, scarves, handbags, purses, jewellery and bracelets, leather trousers, trousers, shorts, and skirts.

Items not accepted by Rags2Riches are printed items, uniforms, workwear, dirty underwear, old fashioned items, socks and stained or ripped items.

Joanna Hammond, CEO of Cotswold Friends, said: “Everything we do to support older people in the North Cotswolds and Cirencester is made possible by your donations, large and small.

“They are vitally important to ensure we have enough funds to run community services for older people here. So please support our charity bags fundraising appeal and clear out those wardrobes and drawers!”

For more information, contact Julie Lawson, Intergenerational & Community Fundraising Project Worker, on 01608 692186 email [email protected].

For more information, contact Louise Lapworth, Marketing Manager, email [email protected].