Charity shop donors and customers are being urged to download a free app that could help generate tens of thousands of pounds for their chosen cause. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is launching on the My Charity Shop app, which allows supporters to carry a scannable Gift Aid card. It means information will be stored on their smartphone, rather than having to remember their number when donating items to any of EACH’s 46 shops. The app also gives the option to print off barcodes to attach to donation bags, has links to the charity’s shops and online stores and information about volunteering. Gift Aid is a scheme enabling registered charities to reclaim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers. It effectively increases the amount of the donation because charities like EACH can claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated. “With the new app, customers never need remember their Gift Aid number again,” said Retail Central Support Manager Genine Woodcock. “Instead, they can have their donor card on their phone and that, in turn, will increase the value of their donations. “We estimate that £60,000 goes unclaimed every year – equivalent to 3,000 hours of expert nursing care at our hospices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. “This is another fantastic, useful development for our Retail operation. “It’s brilliant and great to make use of this superb technology, while making things considerably easier for our supporters.” To sign up for Gift Aid, call into any of EACH’s 46 shops across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Alternatively, visit www.each.org.uk/giftaid EACH, which also has a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford, relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and this year alone, in terms of shop income, needs to raise £6.5 million. Genine added: “I’d like to say thanks to all the donors who continue to support us with their amazing donations of clothes and hard goods. “They really are making the difference to the lives of the children and families who receive our care and support.” Meanwhile, the team are also keen to hear from volunteers willing to spare some time and help in any of EACH’s shop. All help is greatly appreciated and there are various roles available, to suit individual skills and interests. For more information, email [email protected] or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183.