In 2007, BHF Shops launched the new Gift Aid Scheme, which encourages donors to sign up and Gift Aid the cash raised from selling their donated goods. It's a great scheme. An unwanted jumper, for example, might sell for £4, the cash can then be treated as if it were donated directly, and we can claim back the tax that the donor would have paid to HMRC. Gift Aid's already a big success, raising £850,000 in just under six months.

Over 160,000 people have already signed up and become regular donors, like Christopher Terry who donated goods to our Furniture & Electrical store in Northfield. He told us: "My wife and I were delighted to receive your letter confirming that you've raised £70 plus 28% from Gift Aid for items collected from our home. Needless to say, when we have other items of value for disposal, we will bear the BHF in mind."

Gift Aid is off to a flying start, but we need your help. If you'd like to take part, just drop your good quality donated goods into your local BHF Shop (you can find the address by visiting bhf.org.uk/shops) and ask our staff to Gift Aid your donation.