PEOPLE clearing out cupboards this new year are being urged to donate unwanted Christmas presents and transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

Charity ALABARÉ is appealing for donations to its retail Emporiums in Amesbury and Wilton, encouraging residents to repurpose surplus gifts and give them a second life.

From clothing and homewares to books and accessories, donated items help keep shop shelves stocked while generating vital funds for frontline services.

Demand has been particularly strong in recent weeks, with men’s clothing, homewares and fiction books among the most popular items in the run-up to Christmas.

At the same time, the charity has seen a noticeable increase in younger shoppers, as more people embrace thrifting, vintage style and sustainable shopping habits.

Behind the shopfronts, every purchase plays a role in tackling homelessness.

All proceeds from ALABARÉ’s retail outlets go directly back into its services, which support more than 3,200 people each year through supported accommodation, wellbeing programmes and employability training.

ALABARÉ director of fundraising Kirsty Scullion said: “Our Emporiums are constantly in need of good-quality items for sale.

“The New Year’s a great time to start afresh, and by bringing items into our charity shops you could reduce waste while doing your bit so ALABARÉ can provide homes, restore hearts, and empower minds.”

Some unwanted gifts may even be better off donated directly to ALABARÉ.

Practical essentials such as toiletries, underwear, socks and winter warmers like hats, gloves and scarves are in high demand.

A drop-in service at Salisbury’s Alabaré Place is seeing rising numbers of rough sleepers seeking support this winter, making donations of essentials especially valuable.

ALABARÉ director of care and support Naomi Webb said: “A gift of socks or toiletries at Christmas might seem like a trivial or token present to many of us, but it could genuinely be something that makes a real difference to the health and dignity of a homeless person this winter.

“Ultimately, it shows them that the community cares about them and is thinking about their well-being and safety while the temperatures are dropping.

“We’d be grateful for any items that are donated, and we know they’d be welcomed and used by our clients.”

Donations can be made at the Amesbury Emporium on Earls Court Road, the Wilton Emporium on Warminster Road, or directly to ALABARÉ’s drop-in services in Salisbury and Chippenham during opening hours.