Off the Fence has received donations of handbags and toiletries from South Downs Nurseries in Hassocks

Staff from the coffee shop at family-run garden centre South Downs Nurseries in Hassocks popped in to the Hove office and surprised charity head Paul Young with the items.

The affectionately named ‘Old Bag Campaign’ initiative was sparked by an idea from coffee shop manager Karin Reinger, after speaking to Paul and discovering that the majority of donations received to the charity are for men only.

“Often the women go without vital toiletries, especially feminine hygiene products,” says Karin.

“So we came up with the idea of asking our customers to donate their old handbags and toiletries to go with them, with the idea that homeless women on the street could be handed a bag containing these items.”

The garden centre, part of family-owned Tates of Sussex, is running the campaign throughout the summer, and has been overwhelmed by the response from its customers.

Marketing assistant Rebecca Houghton-Knapp commented “As a female it’s hard to imagine going without items as simple as sanitary products.

“We set up the bin thinking we’d be able to take a few bags down to Off the Fence but we’ve been so inundated with donations we’re emptying it nearly every day!”

The Hove-based charity has recently opened its new shower van, partially funded by both Tates Garden Centres and Tates Cars.

A charity spokesperson said: “Every donation is gratefully received and will support our work with young people, women in crisis and those facing homelessness in Brighton and Hove.”