The manager of a popular charity shop has spoken of the invaluable help she receives from her “phenomenal” volunteers.
Rachael Fretter runs the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Long Stratton and was speaking during the charity’s ‘Don’t pass by, give volunteering a try!’ campaign.
The recruitment drive is shining a light on the various roles available – from serving customers to sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical equipment and listing items on eBay.
Posters and flyers are on display in every shop, while volunteer stories are being shared online and via social media.
Rachael is well-placed to comment as she started her own journey as a volunteer. That was 15 years ago, when she joined the team at Long Stratton.
“I wanted to help my local shop and used to dedicate four hours every Saturday afternoon,” she said.
“I’d just moved to the area, didn’t know anyone and saw it as a perfect way to meet new people and give something back to the community.
“I’m now manager and couldn’t cope or run the shop without my fantastic volunteers.
“They do a phenomenal job and there’s something for everyone, from operating the till, sorting books, steaming and listing items on eBay.
“There’s so much that needs to be done and any extra help is hugely appreciated.”
EACH has 48 shops across the region, in addition to its busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
Other roles volunteers might like to consider include being a key holder, listing and sending books and being a driver’s mate, heading out to distribute goods, including collecting and dropping off furniture.
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email volunteering@each.org.uk or call 01223 205183 (option four).
