A DESPERATE appeal has been made by a charity shop which has seen donations plunge by 80 per cent.

A spokesman for the British Heart Foundation shop in Egerton Street, Wrexham, believes the extremely cold weather conditions have been a major factor in the lack of donations.

Catherine Argyle, regional support manager for the North West and West Midlands said: “Unfortunately, the recent extreme weather conditions have left many people in Wrexham unable to give, with donations dropping as much as 80 per cent.

“I think the weather has exacerbated it.

“People think we may not be coming to collect the bags in the bad weather.

“They also probably don’t want to make that trip carrying bags when it’s very icy. It has had a devastating effect on the levels of stock.”

The British Heart Foundation is now organising a free collection service to ensure that donations still make it into the shop.

To book the free collection you can call 0844 412 5000.

Catherine added: “Everyone can help by donating any unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories, CDs, DVDs, books, toys, furniture and electrical items and bric-a-brac.

“We will be open over the Christmas break to organise collections.

“Local support is so important to us and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing help over the year and in the build up to Christmas.”

Shop manager, Debbie Shaw, added the shop is having to reply on the stock from other shops to keep going.

“Please give as much as you can to help us – including any unwanted Christmas gifts.”