A popular charity shop has issued an urgent appeal for extra volunteer support.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is on the lookout for additional help in its busy Fakenham store.
Volunteer numbers have dwindled in recent weeks and anyone interested in joining the “lovely, friendly and welcoming” team is being encouraged to get in touch.
“Our current volunteers are very good and wonderful people, who do their best to help as much as they can,” said manager Nicola Kendle.
“I don’t know what we’d do without them.
“It’s a lovely team and everyone is so welcoming and friendly. There’s a great atmosphere and I feel blessed to have them.
“However, we undoubtedly need extra pairs of hands and it would make such a difference in terms of helping raise vital funds to support EACH’s work.
“There are days, or particular mornings and afternoons, when we don’t have any cover. It’s become a real challenge.”
Nicola, who took over as manager in February, says one particularly difficult day is a Thursday – market day in Fakenham.
However, despite being so busy, she only has one volunteer that day.
“It’s a beautiful shop. We receive some lovely donations and get so many compliments from customers,” she said.
“However, at present, we’re very limited and there are so many things I’d love to be doing, to help the shop maximise its potential.
“In particular, the shop would really benefit from additional volunteers to help on the till, but we’d be happy to hear from anyone willing to join us.
“As I say, I feel lucky to have the volunteers I have – we just need more to become part of our wonderful team!”
Nicola says volunteers can help in a variety of ways, to suit their skills and interests.
Roles range from serving customers to sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical equipment and listing items on eBay. Other roles include being a key holder and listing and sending books.
“There’s something to suit everyone, with flexible hours and a warm, friendly welcome guaranteed,” added Nicola.
“Volunteering is a fun, sociable and rewarding way of making a difference to children and families in our community. It can also provide valuable experience and provide a pathway into a career in the retail sector.
“I’d encourage anyone to give it a try and become part of our great team.”
To find out more, pop in for chat, email Nicola via Nicola.Kendle@each.org.uk or call 01328 863297.
Nicola (right) is pictured alongside (from left) Cluster Manager Naomi Munro, Area Manager Fran Elliott and Sales Assistant Lesley Hughes.
