Charity thrift shops have joined forces to ask donors to stop dropping off items outside designated times.

Suzanne DeCouto, the fundraising and communications manager for the Bermuda Red Cross, said staff often found bags of items had been raided by thieves or damaged by animals or rain.

Ms DeCouto added: “Most of the shops are finding bags are ripped open, items thrown all over the place; some donations are destroyed or taken.

“Sometimes animals have gone into the bags to do their business or if it is bad weather they get wet. When that happens unfortunately, we are unable to use the items donated because they have become unsaleable.

“We felt it was important to share this as we value the donations that are dropped off and would like them to be sold to help us generate much needed funds.”

Ms DeCouto also offered advice for donors.

She said clothing and other items should be in good condition and packed in bags that are light and easy to transport.

Ms DeCouto added: “It does help to drop off clothing for the current season as most of us do not have a lot of storage space.

“When dropping off items that have more than one piece, please make sure that all pieces are included.”

She added that people should make sure that remote controls for electronics should be included.

Ms DeCouto said: “Ask yourself, would you purchase the item that you dropped off in the condition it is in?

“We are all grateful for the generosity of the community, so any help that people can give to ensure their donation can be used by each one of us is appreciated.”

The Bermuda Red Cross shop is open between 8.30am and 6pm from Tuesday to Friday and 8.30am to 3pm on Saturdays. Drop off times are 8.30am to noon on Mondays and 8.30am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Items should be taken upstairs to the shop. The Red Cross accepts clothing, but no books or household items.

Dress for Success opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Drop off is 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Clothing is accepted, but not books or household items.

Pals Thrift shop is open on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm and on Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Drop off times are 9am to 2pm on Tuesday and Thursdays and on Sundays from 11am to 3pm. The cancer charity accepts all donations except books.

Second Hand Rose is open from 10am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Drop-offs are accepted only when the store is open and household goods, small pieces of furniture and ladies’ accessories are accepted.

Second Look Thrift Shop is open from 10am to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Drop off any day, any time on the upper parking lot on the main porch. There are no restricted items.