This post is about 1) how old stamps are used to raise funds for charities and 2) lists of charities that collect stamps (this will be an ongoing list).

1. HOW OLD STAMPS ARE USED TO RAISE FUND

Used stamps are sold by charities in bulk (called bags of ‘kiloware’). The collectors then sort through them looking for anything distinctive (e.g. slight colour variations, unusual types of perforation, minor printing errors, inverted or sideways watermarks, rare postmarks etc. ). So even ordinary looking stamps may be collectable from the collectors eyes!

They can raise money for both UK and overseas stamps (e.g. £1.50-£4/kg for UK stamps and £12-£20/kg for foreign stamps). For foreign stamps, they can raise more money when they are on neatly cut thin airmail paper.

Generally stamps should be left on their backing paper, with a border of about 1 cm left around the stamp. No need to steam them and remove from the backing.

It helps the sorter if UK and foreign stamps are put in separate, labelled envelopes.

2. LISTS OF CHARITIS THAT COLLECT STAMPS

I think majority of the charities collect used stamps for fund raising purpose. Though it’s always good to be 100% certain about it. Below is the list of charities that definitely collect stamps. If your favourite charity is not listed here, why not contact them and ask?

Care and Relief for the Youg (CRY)

CRY is a Christian charity dedicated to caring for disadvantaged, destitute and suffering children, young people and their families.

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)

This is an organisation that tackle climate changes and promote sustainable eco-living. Their “about page” is here.

Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC)

Life Uplifted by Change in Africa (LUCIA)

Preemies UK

A group of volunteers that knit and crochet clothing for premature babies. They also knit burial items for babies that sadly don’t survive.

They do collect used stamps to raise money. You can send them to: PreemiesUK, 138 Farmers Green, Droitwich, Worcs, WR9 9EH.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

They also raise money by involving us to recycle. Check out this page for more info.

Saint Francis Hospice

I contacted them (Dec 09) and got a confirmation that they do collect used stamps. You can send them to : Fundraising Department, Saint Francis Hospice, The Hall, Havering atte Bower, Romford, Essex, RM4 1QH

The Leprosy Mission (TLM)

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

I have e-mailed the UK office about this and they told me that we can send the used stamps to: WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1XR