Our projects

It is also the most visible face of Dona Ajuda and the place where donations are delivered and where on-site volunteering takes place.

What you can find in the charity shop

The shop is organized into sections, and taking advantage of the old market stalls, the butcher’s, the offal butcher’s, and the delicatessen, are now themed spaces that make the visit simple and pleasant:

• Women’s clothing: Options for women, covering a variety of styles and many different sizes.
• Children’s clothing: Clothes from newborns to almost adolescence, childcare products, accessories.
• Men’s clothing: A diverse selection for all styles, from casual wear to those who wear ties or need a tailcoat.
• Home: Decorative items, crockery, small household appliances, and home textiles, perfect for those looking to refresh spaces economically.
• Footwear, bags, and other accessories: Carefully selected to ensure quality and functionality.
• Costume jewelry: For all tastes, sizes, and shapes.

Each item available represents an opportunity for reuse and a concrete step to reduce waste and give a second life to objects that are in excellent condition.

How the charity shop and donations work

Dona Ajuda’s charity shop operates based on donations of items that are no longer useful to their owners but still have value and utility. All items go through a thorough and detailed sorting process carried out by the dedicated team of volunteers:

• Unusable items: Items in poor condition are sent for recycling, generating funds for the Reto à Esperança Association, which supports people recovering from addiction, free of charge.
• Reusable items, but not for sale: These are donated directly to social housing neighborhoods or other institutions, helping those who need it most.
• Items in very good condition: These are made available with symbolic and affordable donation values.

Beneficiaries referred by more than 30 partner social solidarity institutions can obtain the goods they need for free, through a monthly voucher that allows them to “shop” at any of Dona Ajuda’s spaces. This ensures that no one is without access to the essentials.

Impact of your purchases and donations

The proceeds generated by the shop have a direct impact on the community:

• Acquisition of essential goods and services: The funds help meet specific needs of families and institutions supported by Dona Ajuda.
• Sustainability: Each donation and subsequent exchange for a donation prevents useful items from ending up in landfills, contributing to a more sustainable and conscious society.

Additionally, the charity shop is a meeting point for volunteers and community members, fostering an emotional and social support network that goes beyond material help. It has become a true gathering place for the local community, where people create connections and socialize while helping and contributing.

Why visit Dona Ajuda’s charity shop?

• To contribute with goods: By donating, you are contributing and becoming part of a larger cause. See how to help ›
• To contribute with time: The Dona Ajuda team is almost 100% volunteer-based. We know that volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to our mental health and the community.
• To find unique opportunities: Discover items in good condition, full of history, at very affordable suggested prices. Precious items, treasures, many vintage objects that cannot be found elsewhere, especially not at such accessible prices.
• To see the direct impact of solidarity: Witness how small actions create big changes, through monthly indicators and supported associations, always visible and up-to-date.