Residents, shoppers and passers-by were treated to free drinks and snacks at Peasedown’s Mercy in Action Charity Shop recently, to celebrate another successful year.
An Open Day was held to celebrate their successful year, which has seen an increase in sales and funding raised for overseas aid.
Mercy in Action, who opened their doors in the village four years ago, has been working with street children and families living in poverty in the Philippines for nearly 20 years.
They run two children’s homes, a community drop-in-centre and a schooling programme that sponsors 400 children to attend school.
The vast majority of funding for these projects comes from their chain of charity shops around Bath and elsewhere.
In Peasedown St John, shop manager Mike Smith wanted to thank the community for their support over the last 12 months since he joined the store.
He said: “The shop is a part of community life here in the village, and the residents have always shown their support by shopping here, donating and joining the volunteer team.
“Their support means that 80% of all items in store are donated directly by Peasedown residents, and their feedback has meant that we’ve made changes to stock and opening times to meet the needs of the public.”
Mercy in Action Peasedown has recently introduced a new maternity section, and increased their range of furniture.
They’ve also increased opening hours from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm, Monday – Friday and are also open on Saturday’s from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm.
Joining the celebrations last Friday were Peasedown St John councillors Nathan Hartley and Karen Walker, who have been supporters of the shop since it opened in 2010.
Karen said: “From the range of items in store, to the opportunities given to people to volunteer each week, our local charity shop has become a key part of community life.
“As well as it being a good place to buy clothing, toys, furniture and books, it’s also somewhere people go to meet friends and take their children on the way home from school.
“Congratulations to Manager Mike, Deputy Manager Tony and all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication. They are all very much appreciated by us all.”
