A teenage charity shop volunteer says the feeling of helping others makes her “driven and motivated” to do more.
Lexie Burfield, 15, spares time every weekend to help in Royston’s East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop.
She started at the beginning of the year and enjoys sorting through donations, hunting for gems that generate vital funds.
It is something she would recommend to others, and Lexie was speaking during EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a recruitment drive taking place throughout May, encouraging extra volunteers to help in its 52 shops and Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. One of the key aims is to highlight the correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
“I’m the kind of person who loves keeping busy and getting out of the house,” said the student at Freman College, in Buntingford.
“I was on the lookout for something like this, and it was my mum who suggested volunteering.
“EACH was the first charity that came into my mind, because I have a personal connection, so I popped into my local shop for a chat.
“It was such a quick and simple process to get started, and I haven’t looked back since.
“There’s no pressure, and I feel appreciated, which is nice. I love doing something that helps other people, and I find that satisfying.
“When I’m in the shop, I always think about where the money goes. It’s in my head at all times and makes me feel driven and motivated.
“My friends think it’s great and a very cool thing to do, and it’s definitely something I’d recommend to anyone.”
Despite her age, Lexie, who takes her GCSEs next year, says she enjoys being around the team at Royston.
“I love the people I work with,” she said.
“They’re great, and even though I’m much younger, I find them very nice to talk to.
“It’s easy to have a conversation with them, and I enjoy their company.
EACH’s Care to Help campaign kicked off on Monday, and new volunteers are being encouraged to step up to the challenge and help change the lives of families receiving vital care and support.
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email [email protected] or phone 01223 205183 (option four).
For more information about volunteering in Royston, call in for a chat, email manager Terri Rolph via [email protected] or ring 01763 290004.
