Caitlin Marie Bren is a charity shop manager who often opens up about life at work. She said she recently received a donation so disgusting, it will make people’s skin crawl
Lots of people love charity shops as using them is a great way to bag bargains and cut waste at the same time; however, little you may know, charity shop staff members sometimes throw your donations in the bin. Charity shop manager Caitlin Marie Bren recently had good reason to, and she shared her story with others.
The expert, who documents life at the shop on TikTok, recently said she couldn’t believe what someone donated, as it’s enough to make your skin crawl. As much as they appreciate kind donations, sometimes people can take things too far, and leave staff totally astounded.
It’s not the only time the subject has got people talking recently. A few weeks ago, someone else confessed there’s a side to charity shops that many people don’t often see.
Caitlin questioned what’s wrong with people, as she said: “Happy donation of the day, guys. Right, this actually has to be a joke.
“I’ve just gone out to put something in the bin. I’ve not had my ‘no donations sign’ out today, but our doorbell is a bit funny, so somebody could have knocked and I missed it.
“They have left their donations though.” She then shows footage of the box, which comprises plates, a cup and some half-eaten fruit.
She continued: “I’m literally throwing that whole thing in the bin. I don’t want to touch any of that. It’s disgusting. It’s actually vile.”
Since she shared the clip, hundreds of people have liked it and some were quick to comment too. They had all sorts of thoughts.
One person said: “It’s just rude!” Another wrote: “Humans never fail to amaze me.”
A third replied: “Yesterday I had a bin liner of half-eaten chocolates and biscuits. Even a freezer bag of cereal.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “We found an old burger and chips in a bag of donations the other week.” One more also wrote: “That mug is a state inside too, why didn’t they clean it?”
What can’t you donate to charity shops?
Little you may know, there are items you should never donate to charity shops. While it’s obvious half-eaten food should never be donated, there are strict rules people should generally follow.
Things people should avoid giving away include hazardous materials and paints, clean or dirty rags, items that are wet or mouldy, gas-powered tools and appliances, medical supplies, crutches or portable toilets and cosmetics and hair care products.
If in doubt, simply ask what your local shop accepts before making any donations. It’s better to be safe than to cause a problem for the staff.
Items deemed unsafe or unsellable will simply be thrown in the bin. This is why you should be careful with your donations.
