Shortages hit quake appeal

Oxfam shop manager Gail Jackson and volunteer Robert McFall in the empty stock room

Oxfam shop ‘desperate’ for stock

OLDHAM people are being asked to dig deep to donate to the Oxfam Haiti appeal because the charity shop’s stocks have dwindled to almost nothing.

Manager Gail Jackson has an empty stock room and says she has never known the situation so bad.

Gail said: “We are absolutely desperate. The stock room is empty. I have never known anything like this.

“The snow did not help, people have not been getting here, but it has been like this for the last few months.”

The Oldham shop, in Yorkshire Street, is almost 40 years old, and volunteers are determined to raise money for the Haiti earthquake appeal.

Already Oldham supporters have donated £600 in 11 days.

Now Gail is appealing for Oldham people to make more donations of goods which can be sold to raise more money to help relieve Haiti’s suffering.

Oxfam’s director in Haiti, Yolette Ettiene, lost her mother in the massive earthquake, two of the aid group’s staff died, while half the staff lost their homes, possessions and family members.

She told fellow Oxfam workers: “I told my staff that we had no choice, no other option, but to work since we have the privilege of still being here. A day after the quake most of the staff were back at the office planning our response.”

Gail added: “Everyone has items that they no longer need, which could so easily be turned into money for this vital appeal.

“Please search out any good quality clothing, books, costume jewellery, toys, CDs, DVDs, and bring your donation along to the shop next time you are in town.”