charity shops in Keighley are urging people to continue donating unwanted goods despite the credit crunch.

The Children’s Society and British Heart Foundation have recently seen a drop in the number of donations.

But in common with many other charity shops they have seen an increase in customers looking for bargains.

The Children’s Society, in Cavendish Street, has asked for clothing, books, toys and household items, including bric-a-brac.

The BHF, with a shop in the Airedale Shopping Centre, needs good-quality clothing, CDs, DVDs and books.

The appeals were issued after national charities revealed problems caused by the worsening economic conditions.

Many are facing greater calls for their services but finding it harder to raise money from traditional sources.

The Association of Charity Shops warned that people were not replacing clothes as often, meaning less donations.

Oxfam, which has a shop in Low Street, has also appealed for donations which it said could literally save lives.

Elsie Ashbrook, the Children’s Society’s regional retail manager, told the Keighley News that her Keighley shop relies heavily on the generosity of local people.

She said “Unfortunately, during a recession the amount of clothing and other items given to us, reduces as the community reduce their spending. “The lack of movement in the housing market also has a knock on effect. When moving home people usually have a good clear out of household items.”

She said that despite fewer donations the Cavendish Street shop remained full of good quality items at reasonable prices.

She added: “The shop is certainly experiencing an increase in customers who are looking for bargains in these hard times.”

The British Heart Foundation plans a nationwide Urgent Stock Appeal in March to encourage people to donate items.

Caroline Usher, the regional manager, said: “Demand for our product is high and our sales are buoyant, however we are suffering from lack of stock.

“We get a lot of stock from van collections but we have been hit by bogus callers.”

Ms Usher urged householders to ensure that door-to-door collectors were from registered charities rather than private businesses.