A charity shop run by 11 volunteers in Northwood has recently been awarded the The Josephine Butler Award by Liverpool Anglican Cathedral for its work in the local community.
TANGO (Together as Neighbours Giving Out) first opened its doors in September 2014 and has been offering residents a wide variety of help and support ever since.
The shop sells a variety of products and has never raised its prices. Everything available has a set price regardless of its original cost. For example, all suits are £3 regardless of if they were bought for £500 or £50.
Baby and toddler clothing is all priced at 50p and school uniforms are free.
The shop is also a community hub and staff regularly signpost residents to help and support if they disclose any information regarding hardship or vulnerability.
Speaking about their work, the volunteers at TANGO, said: “We are really passionate about helping out anyone and everyone in the community. We don’t offer advice as we leave that to the professionals, instead we are all knowledgeable on the different services available and make sure we know where to direct people.
“Over the years we have provided people with everything from free clothing to furniture and home appliances. If we can help, we will.
“We’re all volunteers, none of us take any money out of the charity. The greatest reward is knowing that we are helping transform the lives of people in our community.”
All profits raised by TANGO are shared across local community groups, schools and charities. Twice a year they give all Kirkby schools and around 12 local charities a donation of £300. Over the years, TANGO has donated a total of £60,000 to schools and local charities.
They also make larger one-off donations to support specific fundraising activities and organise coach trips for local residents.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “I am delighted that TANGO has received this award as recognition for the fantastic work the store does in the community.
“To donate £60,000 to local schools and causes is incredible and no doubt these donations have been transformative for some of the organisations over the years.”
TANGO is part of Your Northwood – a group of residents who work with organisations delivering services in the area to make sure they are taking the needs and wants of local people into account.
TANGO is located at 85, Kennelwood Avenue, Northwood, Kirkby and open Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.