Charities are asking for ping-pong balls, not just laptops
Every year, UK businesses donate an estimated £15.4 billion worth of donations to charities. Giving feels great – it’s a way to support good causes while ensuring surplus items find a second life. But what happens when donations don’t match what charities actually need?
Many organisations find themselves overwhelmed with well-intentioned (but ultimately unhelpful) items.
Imagine a shelter in urgent need of toiletries – but instead receiving hundreds of branded stress balls. Or a foodbank struggling to find storage space for stacks of outdated office folders, when what they really need is a fridge.
These mismatched donations can create logistical challenges, with charities spending time and resources sorting, storing or even disposing of items they can’t use. In fact, many charities spend thousands of pounds each year disposing of unsuitable donations; money that could otherwise go toward supporting their vital work.
The good news? There’s now a simple way to change this.
A smarter way to donate: introducing the 'charity need' feature
What if your business could instantly see exactly what local charities need, in real time? Our new 'charity need' feature makes this possible. Rather than guessing, businesses can now browse live requests from charities in their area, and donate with confidence.
This new approach ensures that donations go directly where they’re needed most, reducing waste and making a real difference. And you might be surprised by what charities are actually asking for!
Surprising (yet essential) requests
Charities don’t always need high-end tech or office furniture. Sometimes, the most impactful donations are the simplest items, such as:
Sandwich boards – for outreach and awareness campaigns
Toiletries – to support people in shelters
Compost – for community gardens providing fresh food
White paint – to refurbish spaces and create art projects
Printer paper – because many charities still rely on physical documents
Ping-pong balls – for youth programmes and accessible sports
By donating based on actual needs, businesses can make a meaningful impact in their communities – while also reducing unnecessary waste.
Give with purpose
If your business has surplus items, take a moment before donating blindly. Visit the charity need page, enter your postcode, and see what’s genuinely needed nearby. It’s an easy way to ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact.
Who knows? That box of ping-pong balls from your last office event might be exactly what a local youth group is looking for.
Thank you for giving with purpose!