Charity Shops in Reading
Reading's charity shops are spread along the main shopping streets in the town centre and in nearby communities such as Caversham and Earley.
All major chains operate stores in Reading. Click through to each chain's store finder to see exact addresses and current opening hours.
Oxfam
1,300+ UK-wide · Global poverty & humanitarian aid
British Heart Foundation
750+ UK-wide · Heart disease research & care
Cancer Research UK
600+ UK-wide · Cancer research
Barnardo's
700+ UK-wide · Children & young people
Sue Ryder
450+ UK-wide · Palliative & neurological care
Age UK
400+ UK-wide · Older people's wellbeing
Scope
220+ UK-wide · Disability equality
Mind
150+ UK-wide · Mental health support
Salvation Army
100+ UK-wide · Poverty & social support
Shelter
100+ UK-wide · Homelessness & bad housing
YMCA
100+ UK-wide · Youth & community support
Samaritans
60+ UK-wide · Emotional support & crisis intervention
British Red Cross
300+ UK-wide · Humanitarian crisis & disaster relief
RSPCA
170+ UK-wide · Animal welfare & rescue
PDSA
150+ UK-wide · Veterinary care for pets in need
Cats Protection
100+ UK-wide · Cat welfare & rehoming
What can I donate to a charity shop?
Most charity shops in Reading accept the same core categories of donated goods. Items should be clean, complete, and in good sellable condition.
For furniture or electricals, British Heart Foundation and the Salvation Army are your best options — both operate in Reading and offer home collection in many areas.
- Clothing & shoes
- Books
- CDs, DVDs & vinyl
- Homeware & ornaments
- Accessories & jewellery
- Toys (complete, safe)
- Duvets & pillows
- School uniforms
- Broken or damaged items
- Soiled goods
- Large appliances*
* BHF & Salvation Army accept furniture & electricals
Volunteer at a charity shop in Reading
All the major chains in Reading actively look for volunteers year-round. You don't need retail experience — just a willingness to help for one session a week. You'll gain customer service skills, a CV reference, and be part of something worthwhile.
Full volunteer guide →There's another kind of charity shop.
World Aid Network's virtual Charity Shop lets you fund specific clinical interventions — cataract surgery, mobile clinic fuel, emergency food parcels — without leaving home. Nothing is shipped. Every pound goes to the programme.
Browse virtual gifts →Charity shops in Reading
How many charity shops are there in Reading?
Reading has approximately 40+ charity shops across the South East England area, operated by major chains including Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Barnardo's, and many independent organisations.
What can I donate to charity shops in Reading?
All major charity shop chains in Reading accept good-quality donated goods including clothing, books, homeware, and accessories. The British Heart Foundation and Salvation Army also accept furniture and electrical goods, with some offering free home collection.
What is the best charity shop chain in Reading?
It depends on what you're looking for. For vintage clothing and books, Cancer Research UK and Oxfam are consistently rated highly. For furniture and electricals, British Heart Foundation is the top choice. For children's clothing and toys, Barnardo's is hard to beat.
Can I volunteer at a charity shop in Reading?
Yes. All major chains actively recruit volunteers in Reading year-round. Most require just one regular session per week (3–4 hours). No retail experience is needed. Visit our volunteer guide for more information on how to apply.