Bookworms have the chance to combine their love of literature with helping a leading children’s charity.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is on the lookout for volunteers to help support its fast-growing online Book Shop.
The busy store has become a vital income stream and helps the charity continue its work supporting families and caring for children across the region.
EACH Book Shop Manager Sue Nettleingham said: “This is a role anyone who loves reading will thoroughly enjoy.
“We sell all genres, and it’s fascinating what gets donated.
“They range from classics and children’s favourites to others that are rare and niche.
“There’s so much variety and, alongside the books, we also sell CDs, DVDs and Console games. We’ve also introduced new vinyl to our ever-growing portfolio.
“It’s great fun, and we’d love to hear from anyone willing to get involved, even just for a morning or afternoon a week.
“Volunteering is also hugely rewarding, and this is an opportunity to help our wonderful charity.
“Selling books and media is a key income stream, and the money we generate makes such a difference.
“However, we can only do it with the help and support of volunteers and the community.”
The Book Shop is run from EACH’s Retail Distribution Centre (RDC), in Brunel Way, Thetford.
Volunteers would be asked to unpack and organise crates of donated books, including sorting them and checking their suggested price online.
Profitable books are then listed for sale, stored in the upstairs library and then, when purchased, packed and sent to customers.
Others might be sold in the charity’s many book rooms across its 52 shops.
In an average week, EACH sells around 270 books, with an average selling price of just over £10.
The scheme usually generates more than £2,000 a week, and, typically, there are around 3,500 books on the EACH account.
“The Book Shop currently has a team of two staff and five volunteers,” added Sue, who was speaking during EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a recruitment drive taking place throughout May, encouraging extra volunteers to help in its shops and at the RDC. One of the key aims is to highlight the direct correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
“However, we’re seeing a huge increase in the amount of donations coming in, so would definitely benefit from a few extra pairs of hands.
“It would be ideal for anyone of any age, including students fresh out of school or university.
“It’s a chance to pick up new skills, make friends and get a taste for doing something completely different. Others have described it as a brilliant experience.”
Volunteer and team member Barry Allen added: “It’s been a fantastic experience helping EACH.
“I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible people along the way, and lending a hand is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone.”
To find out more about volunteering, contact Sue via [email protected] or contact her at the Book Shop on 01842 777101.
Other volunteering opportunities are available at the RDC. One of the roles is being a ‘driver’s mate’, with duties including loading and unloading vans.
To find out more about volunteering at the RDC, email Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Manager Stephen Ball via [email protected]
