Charity shops across the county are once again throwing open their doors to customers.

Among those to reopen is YMCA Swanley which invited staff and volunteers back today after being closed for three months due to the coronavirus.

It is one of the housing charity's 19 stores set to return across England and Wales as it aims to return more than 40 shops to their local communities by the end of the month.

Non-essential retail stores including charity shops were given the green light to welcome customers through their doors from Monday.

As part of the phased reopening in Swanley it has introduced hand gel stations at each entrance and additional cleaning and social distancing measures.

Simon Green, head of retail at YMCA England & Wales said: “The retail team have been working extremely hard to reopen stores in a way which keeps customers, staff and the community safe, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the first time since March 23.

“It truly is a privilege to serve at the heart of communities, providing not only the chance for customers to find bargains and recycle goods, but also to gain employment experience and create new friendships. We have missed you and we are delighted to be back.”

"We have missed you and we are delighted to be back.”

In addition to reopening it doors for shopping the charity is also welcoming item donations once again.

If donors have any questions or concerns the charity is encouraging them to call beforehand to ensure they can accept.

The YMCA was selected as the Gravesend and Dartford Messenger’s charity of the year for 2020 and also has shops in Ashford, Dartford, Dover, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Money raised helps young people in north Kent get back on their feet through additional support such as outdoor education, benefits advice, employment and informal education support, work experience and vocational training.

The charity’s Thames Gateway hub in in Overy Street Dartford offers accommodation to 56 young adults at risk of homelessness every year.

It also provides childcare for more than 200 children every day at its nurseries including Temple Hill Nursery and Oakfield Nursery in Dartford and Swancombe Pre-school.

Another challenge posed by the crisis is the YMCA has fewer volunteers before to help manage and run its shops.

YMCA Swanley is now calling on anyone locally who may be able to help to get in touch.

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