by Katie Lamborn

Charity shops are being hard hit this year - as cash-struck
families are selling their unwanted Christmas presents on the
net.

According to the British Red
Cross, more and more people are turning to eBay or selling their items at car boot
fairs to help bring in the pennies.

Sue Warner, from the British Red Cross shop on Rochester High
Street, said: "A lot of it now is being sold on eBay and at boot
fairs so we really are suffering with donations.

"We put out 500 bags a week and we are lucky to get 10 per cent
back."

It's a double blow for charity shops - as people are also
hanging on to items which would normally
be donated because they cannot afford to replace
them.

Sue added: "People would have donated last year's coat. Now
they're holding onto it -so yes we are suffering."

• Find out how to help the British Red Cross this season