Feedback, Reviews & Letters of Recommendation
for The Honesty Jar SwapShop Project
"We are a large GP Practice in rural North Dorset. One of our Health Champions (patients who volunteer to help us) said that she would like to encourage local children to read via easy access to books. The Honesty Jar donated a huge number of good quality children’s book to us, after we put out a request on social media. Our Health champion made up fabric bags with repurposed fabric from The Honesty Jar.
We then filled the bags with age appropriate books and had them on hooks in the waiting room. Children are offered a bag of books when they visit our surgery. They are advised they can keep them if they wish or bring them back and swap for some other books. It has been a beautifully simple idea in action. The children absolutely love it. We are so grateful for all the support to enable us to set up our “Bags of Books”. Jane Dawes Managing Partner - The Blackmore Vale Partnership Sturminster Newton, Dorset www.blackmorevalesurgery.co.uk facebook.com/bvpgps 
"Thanks to the lovely Anne King from the Honesty Jar, we were able to offer free books to the members of our Countrymen Club in Holnest. This was especially important for their mental health, when many clubs and facilities were closed to them. Thank you!"
Jan M facebook.com/CountrymenUK www.countrymenuk.org Rylands Farm, Holnest, Dorset "The Honesty Jar helped, my friend had house fire, I went over and explained the situation as they have two children and the ladies were so helpful. We went around the shop for clothes for all the family as they lost everything, then when family started putting things together, they helped with plates, bowls, etc. and anything else they wanted. These people are angels when you have nothing" Katie W, Yeovil, Somerset "It always makes me feel good to visit the Honesty Jar, both to donate items and to browse and buy. The good feeling is of great benefit for mental health or wellbeing, especially in the difficult year we have had. I am always glad to share your posts on social media and to recommend you whenever someone asks where they can donate goods." Lucy L, Dorset "Hi Sam, throughout this year your venture has helped so many families that I support! Families with SEN children and Young people who have needed toys, families in need of goods I store here from HNT donations and through you they have contacted me...including my links with food banks and my being able to give them myself 2 weeks worth of food to tied them over, and by bringing a smile to little Y's face...any SEN child loves a good rummage! Through connecting with you at the Honesty Jar I have been contacted by many families in need that HNT has been able to support. Between you and HNT we have been able to make a difference to so many...and the connections are growing more and more! Once lock down is over...I do podcasts... What if I do one with you at The HJ? I think many will be interested, especially as I have connected with other people up and down the country that salvage goods that are destined for the tip and then get out to people in need. Hope this all helps remind you that you are doing a fantastic job!!!" Rachel G Hidden Needs Trust, Sherborne, Dorset www.hiddenneedstrust.org facebook.com/Hidden-Needs-Trust "The Honesty Jar has helped me by being an affordable way to get clothes and other bits for my family due to covid and money being tighter than ever it’s really helped me so much it’s also been great to de clutter what I no longer need and someone else can benefit from. The children also enjoy swapping bits they have and shows them all about recycling their old for something else. We really enjoy coming here and the staff are always so kind also how well organised it is it’s a shop. I hope it is open for a very long time, and to have in the local village I can walk back and forth too when my partner has the car. It’s great, I think it’s a shop that we would be lost without now and it great to get something that isn’t so costing like the high street shop along with being able to help keep it running with donations." Tiffany R Henstridge, Somerset "The Honesty Jar is simply an amazing place to go and surrender your belongings that no longer serve you. I have brought some great things from there for myself and my growing children. The books are a fab collection and we swap and change them very often. To see another child make use of my children’s toys they not longer play with is much better then sending them to landfill. You can be guaranteed a warm welcome and a chat with the wonderful volunteers. They are always there to lend a helping hand or even keep a eye out for something your after. A great asset to Henstridge. Xx" Amy P Henstridge, Somerset 
"Outside of lockdown I’m a frequent volunteer at the Honesty Jar coming in several times a week. This means I’ve had the opportunity to observe the comings and goings at the Honesty Jar and work with many different volunteers.
Superficially the Honesty Jar looks like a charity shop. One important difference is that nothing in the shop is priced. People are invited to donate items and take things in exchange or put a contribution in the pot - we leave the amount up to them. Some of the more saleable items are set aside and sold online including books, clothes and one-off items of value. Up until now the project has been self funding. The Honesty Jar has many benefits including:
I hope these notes show that the Honesty Jar is a force for good in the community, hugely deserving of consideration for funding so that it can continue to thrive once this current situation is resolved. Anne K, Yetminster, Dorset 
"Here is my story - Christmas 2020, not the traditional Christmas but Christmas in the garden with my parents! As night fell we filled the garden with candles all glowing brightly in glasses, vases and lanterns from the Honesty Jar. The twinkling lights will be a lasting happy memory for us all making it a Christmas to remember, thank you so much! (Photos attached) Hope this helps and you are able to continue doing a wonderful job!"
Sue H
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I always pop in when my goddaughter is coming to visit to have something different each time, great things for her from hobby horse to books, many thanks "
Debbie G "...I'm slowly losing weight so getting bits from the jar is lovely as when I can pass my things onto the jar, I can also get new bits from you, just what you need is to buy and swap my items thank you for the help from my daughter Lisamarie too" Michelle L "...the care home I work for has benefitted from musical instruments for music therapy, thankyou" Sally G, Sherborne Dorset "I would be lost without it - I absolutely love volunteering here, making new friends, helping to find homes for all the treasure we receive and reducing landfill." Anne K, Thornford Dorset "My family has. I've picked up clothing, shoes, books for myself and my many grandchildren. Material n stuff for my crafting hobby as partly disabled. very appreciated ... Your store is such a blessing " Maria M "...the jar has been hugely beneficial to me, having 4 children constantly growing out of clothes. We go in with the small out grown stuff and swap for more lovely clothes. Many thanks to all at the jar." Shelley E "...with shops closed and growing teens it's been a blessing" Tina D, Sherborne Dorset "I work in a pre school setting and have picked up many useful toys/puzzles and resources for our outside sand kitchen. My two children love coming with me and having a look around for treasures, they always find a new book or toy and they understand we have to donate what isn’t used or played with from our home! I recommend to everyone I know!" Victoria B, Somerset 
'Reviews' via Facebook & Google :-
"My son met Father Christmas today and it made his day. Thank you so much." Stacy P, Henstridge, Somerset "Fantastic place picked up a pair of trousers for my Granddaughter. So much there. Love donating to help others. Gill C "Brilliant way to recycle" Glynis C, Holwell, Dorset "Love it here. We’ve sadly had to clear a relatives house after her death and these guys have taken everything we’ve brought in. Have picked up so much useful stuff too! I’m on the cusp of a lesser paid career change which I’m sure is going to save my sanity. You’ll be my first port of call if I need anything! So glad I was able to hook you up with Take no wrap for the bins! Happy days ! Kara B "It's good to go there to shop around and to see interesting things and a good course for charity." Stella L "Went to the Honesty Jar this afternoon my first time and all I can say is WOW truly a wonderful place great system for donating your items and picked up a few things for myself will def be over again after another sort out in the house" Nita B "Lovely workers and such a good cause .You take what you want or need and make a donation at the end. Never seen anything like it." Jessica O "The Honesty Jar is a fantastic place for donating. So easy to park and drop off items. You saved us from boredom during lockdown and the 6 months break from school! So many board games and things to keep us busy! Really helpful staff and a very happy boy with his Smurfs toys that you found for us. Thank you very much" Hayley M "Donated some goods and took away some lovely little finds too....also donated some money to this fantastic place! Will be back for another rummaging soon... Lovely, helpful staff x" Caroline J, Yeovil, Somerset "Just paid a visit to this wonderful place. What a treasure trove of little treats, will definitely be back. Lovely staff." Marilyn J, Yeovil, Somerset "I've just started volunteering here its an amazing place really love helping people x" Steff B "This is amazing place to take whatever you find in the swap shop for a donation of your choice, nothing is priced to pay what you feel is right, also a place to take your unwanted goodies." Stef F, Shaftesbury, Dorset "Great place. People drop stuff off regularly. People come to browse the myriad and ever changing stuff. People drop off a donation (in the "Honesty Jar Pot" or contactless by card) if they can to help keep a roof over their heads. They have helped loads of people and organisations in need. Loads of clothes, books, DVDs, kids stuff, crafting stuff and just all sorts. People are so friendly. Not crowded. Donations are left to sit for a few days before sorting and putting out. Now at Grassroots Garden Centre BA8 0SA." Wendy F "A great, voluntarily run, place. Items either swapped for your contributions or give a donation if nothing to contribute. Now sited on premises of a very reasonably priced garden centre and aquatics business on the outskirts of Henstridge, Somerset" Lucy M "Friendly and who can say no to helping the environment." Jackie W, Sherborne, Dorset "Went there today for the first time, lovely place, lots of lovely items! Looking forward to my next visit in your new establishment 🥳👗👔👖👕🧥🥾🧳👝👒🧦📚🧣🧢😃" Nicole F, Yeovil, Somerset "This is an amazing place they have everything you need. If they don't have it they will put a request on a board that all customers can read and donate to." Jorja L, South Petherton, Somerset "A little bit of everything and friendly volunteers." Geoff H, South Petherton, Somerset "Fabulous place to take your unwanted things & find things you like! Invaluable to fundraisers looking for items to sell for charity! Love it x" Viv H "Lovely little place with a lot of nice things. Was glad to have a good clear out myself to donate and daughter picked out couple bits she wanted to take home. Look forward to our next visit" Kay W, Yeovil, Somerset "Had a lovely morning with the helpful ladies in the Honesty Jar. Annie helped me master my demon sewing machine! Watch this space. Have also left with some lovely old books, a cardi and a dvd! Oops! Will defo be back. Xxx" Beth J, January 2020 
"An amazing place, helped me out a lot over Christmas and have found things to update my house, get a Duvet and made 2 new v Shap pillow covers and also picked up some nets and made them to measure my windows, so pleased"
Marie W "This place is like Aladdin’s cave! Take your time to rummage around as there are many delights to be found. The volunteers were lovely and chatty" Emma V "Really lovely volunteers and such a good idea" Helen W "Went for a visit this week. I was made most welcome by the volunteers in the shop. It's a little hidden treasure and should be advertised more. I came away with boots, trousers, shoes and jumpers. A great place to swap your unwanted items for items you actually want and need" Tracie H, Martock, Somerset "I went today with a bag of goodies and swapped them for some lovely trousers and novel earrings!! Going to bring my sewing project in next time!! love it there!😍" Sally G "A fabulous community SwapShop with loads of stuff and a warm welcome. Workshops and more." Anne K "A real treasure trove. Love the idea of swapping. Great for those of us on a fixed income and great for the environment. Winners all round" Lisa W, Sherborne, Dorset "My daughter-in-law and I visited today, we were like two children in a sweet shop 😊. This is such a great idea and I would definitely recommend a visit. We will certainly be back" Tracey P "I visited today and had the best time. Officially my new favourite place!! I would recommend to anyone it's such a lovely idea. I will be back again soon to bring another bag full of donations and to have another rummage for some more swapping. 😆👍" Lauren P "Popped in this morning - lovely people. Got some nice things too. please visit and support" Sarah H 
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October 2019
