SOUTHEND Hospital’s Westcliff-based charity shop has issued a rally call for local residents to donate unwanted items to the store.

Located at 183 Hamlet Court Road, the shop is staffed by some of the hospital’s loyal volunteers and has been open since October 2012.

All proceeds go to the Keyhole Cancer Appeal which aims to raise £600,000 for the provision of a new state-of-the-art laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) theatre suite at Southend University Hospital.

Charity shop manager, Wendy Fatuga, said: “With Easter approaching and time for a spring clean, we are asking the local community to look in their wardrobes and donate any good quality clothes, bric-à-brac and toys that we can sell in our shop to raise much needed funds for keyhole surgery. We have seen a downturn in donations due to a tough economic climate and increased choice of charity shops and we ask the community to support their local hospital.”

To donate items: The shop is particularly looking for bric-a-brac, such as china, pottery, children’s toys, tableware. Items can be dropped off at the premises. To find out more, please ring the department of fundraising.

To volunteer: Please ring Jane O’Connell or Chris Miller 01702 435555 (ext 6135) or email volunteers@southend.nhs.uk