This Charity Lets You Send Makeup And Toiletries To Women And Children In Refuge

We're all guilty of stockpiling tons of beauty products, toiletries, and makeup we've barely touched on our bathroom shelves - but what if we told you you could have a clear out, and it would be for a good cause?

That eyshadow we used once, that bronzer we decided totally didn't match our skin and that extra pack of makeup wipes we only bought because it was a BOGOF, could be sent to women who need it far more.

Give and MakeUp is a non-profit initiative, started by skincare expert Caroline Hirons, which aims to get everyday essentials to women and children in need.

The charity supports Refuge, a charity helping women escaping domestic abuse, and Women's Aid in the London and Cardiff areas.

The sad truth is that each week two women in the United Kingdom are murdered by a partner or ex-partner, while one woman in four experiences domestic violence in their lifetime, and the average woman experiences domestic violence 35 times before she calls the police.

Give and MakeUp takes your unwanted toiletries, beauty products, makeup and clothing to give to these families who have escaped abuse.

Speaking about the inspiration for the initiative, Caroline writes: "I was going to write a post about essentials...that led to an idea about what your absolute necessities would be...that led to an idea about 'what if you had NOTHING'...and that led me to this page on the Refuge website."

She continues: "My eyes locked on to 'Medicines and Toiletries' and I thought of the amount of product I had sitting in my cupboard and felt ashamed. I scrapped the blog post and Give and Makeup started that evening."

Getting involved is easy, simply package up your goods (making sure you have paid the correct postage - understandably these charities cannot foot the bill) and send them one of the addresses listed below.

• The London address is currently pausing donations due to an influx of parcels (only a good thing right?), but we'll let you know when we have an update.
• You can donate to women's shelters in Wales via Escentual.com at: Give and MakeUp, Escentual, Neptune Point, Unit 1, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PG.
  

  Unsplash/Jazmin Quaynor

Give and MakeUp are asking for clothing including underwear and bras (new/nearly new and clean), vests (for the children), pyjamas, trousers, skirts, tights, socks, shoes and coats.

They ask that all clothing is clean and nearly new - 'if you wouldn't give it to your best friend, please don't send it to us'.

Helpful toiletries to send would be toothbrushes (new), toothpaste, nappies, tampons, sanitary towels, baby bathing products, shower gel, deodorant, body lotion and all forms of makeup, except nail polish.

Give and MakeUp accept everything second hand or new, bar lip glosses and mascaras, but ask that you not send really old makeup AKA lipsticks that are nearly used up.

They are also looking for toys for children, including books, colouring pads and crayons, puzzles, games, DVDs, dolls and more. Just make sure they are suitable for children.

Give and MakeUp give a few points to note before sending:

• Please ensure that parcels are able to be carried by one person.
• For obvious security reasons, no drop-offs are available at any of the addresses. Postal only please.
• Please do not send large donations (numerous large boxes) without prior
  arrangement. All of the addresses are first and foremost business addresses.

A better reason than many to have a clear out of your bathroom shelf, right?

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Topics: Life News, Life

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara is a freelance journalist working for Tyla. After graduating from the University of Sussex, Ciara worked as a writer at GLAMOUR Magazine and later as the Assistant Editor of Yahoo Style UK.

@ciarasheppard