Community invited to donate on Tuesdays and Thursdays as The Marlowes Charity Drive gathers momentum

The Marlowes Shopping Centre is encouraging the Hemel Hempstead community to keep the momentum going behind its successful ‘Loved Again’ charity drive, with donations continuing to pour in for two deserving causes.

The initiative, which has already received a fantastic response from shoppers, is calling on local residents to bring along good-quality pre-loved items every Tuesday and Thursday between 12pm and 4pm to the Donation Hub, located opposite JD Sports.

Every donation helps reduce waste, gives unwanted items a second life and raises vital funds for Alzheimer's Society and local animal welfare charity Animal Support Angels.

Whether you're having a summer clear-out or simply have items you no longer need, donating couldn't be easier. The friendly team at the Donation Hub is on hand to accept clothing, books, toys, homeware and other quality items, making it a quick and rewarding way to support the local community.

As an added bonus, visitors may even get the chance to meet some of the adorable rescue kittens currently being cared for by Animal Support Angels. Behind every rescue story is a team of dedicated volunteers who provide round-the-clock care, compassion and support to cats in need.

Among those volunteers is Kellie Stimpson, one of only three volunteer kitten hand rearers in Hertfordshire. Kellie is currently caring for a litter of orphaned kittens whose mother sadly died. These tiny kittens need constant care, including feeding every one to two hours, day and night, to give them the best possible chance of survival.

Hand rearing kittens is a challenging and incredibly time-consuming role, with no formal training provided and volunteers learning through experience, dedication and support from others. Without people like Kellie giving their time, love and expertise, many orphaned kittens simply would not survive. While the typical survival rate for hand-reared kittens is around 30%, Kellie’s incredible dedication has helped her achieve a survival rate of 68%. Visitors to the Donation Hub can see the special bond she has with the kittens, with the love and care clear as she feeds them and cradles them safely in her hands.

Animal Support Angels also depends on its network of foster carers, including Kristy Smith, who provides a safe and loving temporary home for cats while they wait to find their forever families. Kristy specialises in caring for cats with additional needs, including those with behavioural challenges and complex health conditions such as diabetes, ensuring they receive the patience, medical support and understanding they need.

Kristy also regularly takes in older cats who are often overlooked by adopters in favour of younger animals. These cats still have so much love to give and deserve the chance to spend their remaining years in a caring home where they can feel safe, valued and loved.

Foster carers play a vital role in helping rescued cats recover from difficult experiences, whether they have been abandoned, have lost their owner or need extra support before they are ready for adoption. Animal Support Angels is currently appealing for more people to open their homes and become foster carers. Anyone interested in helping provide a temporary home for a rescue cat can contact Amanda at [email protected] 

Funds raised through The Marlowes’ ‘Loved Again’ charity drive will help Animal Support Angels continue this vital work, providing essential supplies such as specialist equipment, food and resources needed to support both hand-reared kittens and cats in foster care. Every donation helps volunteers like Kellie and Kristy continue giving vulnerable cats the care, comfort and second chances they deserve.

Vicki Workman, Business Manager at the Marlowes Shopping Centre said: "We've been delighted by the generosity shown by the Hemel Hempstead community since launching the Charity Drive. Every bag donated helps make a real difference, not only by supporting two fantastic charities but also by encouraging people to shop and live more sustainably.

"We're inviting even more people to pop in on a Tuesday or Thursday, bring along their unwanted items and, if they're lucky, they might even meet one of the gorgeous rescue kittens looking for their forever homes."

The ‘Loved Again’ charity drive forms part of the Marlowes Shopping Centre’s ongoing commitment to supporting local charities and creating positive community impact.

Donations accepted include:

• Clothing and shoes

• Books

• Toys and games

• Homeware

• Accessories

• Other good-quality, reusable items

Later this summer, shoppers will also be able to enjoy the Charity Drive's popular £5 Bag Sale, where visitors can fill a bag with pre-loved treasures while continuing to support the campaign's charitable partners.  

The Donation Hub is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm to 4pm, opposite JD Sports at The Marlowes.

For more details on all upcoming events, visit www.marlowes.co.uk or follow the centre's social media channels.