Waltham Forest (Parliament News) – A Salvation Army charity shop in Walthamstow has been shortlisted for a national award. Public votes are open until Thursday, 2nd October.
“Sally in the Stow” is a contender for the London Favourite Charity Shop Award in the United Kingdom. Now in its second year, the Charity Retail Association’s Awards honour the positive influence that charity stores have on their communities.
People were invited to explain why they were selecting their favourite Waltham Forest store as part of the process, which resulted in over 5,000 nominations this year.
When asked what makes Sally in the Stow so special, one customer said:
“The prices are amazing, the stock turnover is fast, there is a great range of toys, a wonderful furniture store, fantastic window displays, along with lots of vintage clothing. You can even park outside to drop items off. What’s not to like!”
Another customer added:
“The friendliness, the willingness to help, the community spirit and teamwork, and the extras they provide. You need to experience it to understand.”
Church leader at Walthamstow Salvation Army, Julie Pell said:
“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for an award and would really appreciate if people would vote for us. We have a very supportive team here who have worked hard over the years to get ‘Sally in the Stow’ to where it is today. The charity shop is part of our desire at Walthamstow Salvation Army to bring transformation locally and provide a space that people can come into and feel safe, supported and welcome.”
Chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, Robin Osterley OBE, said:
“Congratulations to all the shops that made the shortlist and thank you to everyone who made a nomination. The level of support the Awards continue to inspire highlights just how much charity shops mean to their local communities.
We are now calling on the public to cast their votes and decide which shops will be crowned winners in twelve areas across the UK.”
How has the shop supported the Walthamstow community recently?
The store provides a large selection of donated goods at very low prices, which can include articles of clothing, toys, and vintage goods, all of which saves residents money in their household expenses.
It provides a welcoming and safe space for people from all walks of life to meet, shop (both to purchase, and as they acknowledge their use of the shop), and feel supported, it builds confidence in a nurturing and caring environment that strengthens community.
It often creates flexible work experience opportunities through volunteer work for people in recovery from addiction or other life-threatening challenges, and helps them build work skills, and confidence towards re-entering the job market.
By providing donated goods with resale value, it helps encourage reuse and selling donated goods and improves waste diversion.