We believe people who have nothing should receive the very best that we can give, so that’s why we only accept items that are new or in very good condition. Just as a gift makes us feel special, we want to build up those who receive what is given via The Besom. So they feel blessed by the process, we only pass on the best to those who have little or no choice. This affords dignity and value to those who receive it, particularly when we can give them a choice for their home.
The Besom can accept any household item that you need to start a home – from a spoon to a sofa! We trust that if God wants you to give it then we will find a home for it. Every gift given is an answer to a prayer that the team has said for the recipients who are referred to us. It gives The Besom opportunities to share how God knows, cares and is involved for each person when it is delivered and becomes a blessing and a testimony to His provision.
How do I give?
Start by considering any surplus items you may have in your home. Could they bless someone else who has nothing? If something comes to mind, then The Besom would love to receive them. We love to receive brand-new items that you, or maybe your housegroup/youth group purchase on our behalf.
Starter Packs
We compile a range of packs for those moving into new unfurnished homes with absolutely nothing. These can comprise kitchenware, table and drinkware, cleaning items, bedding bales etc. This is also a great way for a group to shop and create their own pack(s) to bless someone in need.
Collection/Drop Off
We don’t have storage facilities so aim to pass items on almost instantly to people who need them. Therefore we may ask you to hold onto some items until we can match them to the correct recipient. Our van team makes weekly collections (free) around the Borough, or you can arrange to drop things off to us.
To give something or for further details about making up a Pack, please contact us info@besominesher.com.
Giving guidelines
To enable us to match your offer to the referred needs on our waiting lists, sometimes we ask you to provide photographs and measurements first. All items should be freshly cleaned and in working order, as we often take them straight from your home to the recipient’s home when we collect them.
Fire Safety Tags
Sofas and other soft furnishings such as mattresses must have a Fire Safety compliance tag on them and be clean and stain-free.
We can accept small household/kitchen electrical appliances and TVs. Electrical items must be less than 5 years old and in good working order. TVs must be digitally compatible and have SCART and HDMI sockets.
Sometimes we say No!
Our mission is to help Christians express love and generosity through their giving, just as God gave His only son, Jesus to us as a sacrifice and lavishly demonstrated His love for us. We are not here to help dispose of or pass on everything that is no longer wanted in your own home – other local charities do that such as Elmbridge CAN, Kingston Community Furniture and Princess Alice Hospice. So sometimes we may say, “No thank you!” if the item you wish to gift through us is well-loved, well-worn or simply old. We are not trying to be awkward in turning it down. Whilst it might have a little ‘life’ left in it or up-cycling potential we don’t have upcycling skills readily available. Nor do we want those we help to find a few months further down the line the item needs costly repair or breaks down and needs replacing again.
On collection, the van team has the discretion to decline offered goods if these guidelines are not followed.