A charity shop volunteer has spoken of the immense satisfaction she gets from helping raise vital funds – and says the experience has exceeded all expectations.
Former teacher Lynnette Bacon started helping in Southwold’s East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store last October.
She popped in within weeks of it opening, signed up as a volunteer and has not looked back since.
“It’s such a welcoming, supportive environment and an amazing cause to support,” said the 73-year-old, who taught children from nursery age through to secondary education during her long career.
“It’s so satisfying contributing to the greater good, knowing every item we sell is making a difference. The same goes for every item we identify for eBay or every customer that signs up for Gift Aid.
“Everything makes a difference, and I feel passionate about that.
“I enjoy being busy and find it great fun. I’ve always loved learning and picking up new skills, which I get the chance to do when I’m here.
“I’m happy chatting with customers and serving them on the till, but I also enjoy sorting and pricing donations.
“I hoped I’d like it but can safely say it’s exceeded all expectations. That’s why it’s something I always recommend, and however much time someone can contribute genuinely makes a difference.
“Whether it’s a day or two or an hour or two, it really is a great support, and I appreciate being part of a great team, as well as valued for the contribution I make both to the shop and charity.”
Lynnette moved to Suffolk from Hertfordshire two and a half years ago. It was there she lived with husband Jack, before he sadly died in October 2018.
Her volunteering journey started last autumn, after returning from a holiday and popping into EACH’s then-new Southwold shop.
Now she helps out every Wednesday and also gives her time to cover extra shifts – often volunteering twice a week, and sometimes three or four days.
“I’d been thinking about volunteering for a while,” said the mum of three, who 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 direct correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
“I had a couple of options, but my mind was made up after talking to (shop manager) Lesley (Williams-Frost). EACH was the one for me, and I have no regrets.
“Volunteering for a children’s hospice is a perfect fit, given my teaching background and the fact I’m surrounded by grandchildren.
“I feel privileged to be in a position to help, and children have been such a fundamental part of my life. I love it when they come into their shop and enjoy nothing more than getting a smile from one of them.
“I also think the hospice movement is incredible, and the fact I’ve experienced it through my husband, and now by volunteering in a shop that raises funds, makes me extremely passionate about doing what I can to help.”
EACH’s Care to Help campaign kicked off on Monday. 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 ring 01223 205183 (option four).
For more information about volunteering in Southwold, call in for a chat, email [email protected] or phone 01502 441275.
