Sarah’s volunteer story
On a career break? Hear how volunteering has helped Sarah.
Here’s Sarah dressed head to toe in an outfit she bought from St Gemma’s Chapel Allerton charity shop. She’s a regular in the shop and has been popping in to find bargains and have a chat with the staff for the last 13 years. Sarah went from shopper to volunteer and we recently caught up with her to see what she enjoys most about the role.
Why did you decide to volunteer with St Gemma’s?
“I wanted to take a career break a couple of years ago and because of the warm welcome I was always greeted with at St Gemma’s, I decided to join as a volunteer. I’ve been volunteering one morning and one afternoon a week for 16 months now and I absolutely love it. It’s great to help out a local cause and volunteering here works so well for me because there’s a lot of flexibility. There is a real community feel in the shop and I’ll often see familiar faces coming in.”
What’s the role like?
“Every week is different; the role has so much variety and I’ve learnt lots of new skills. As well has tagging, hanging, steaming and working on the tills, I’ve become the shop’s toy expert. My colleagues always refer to me as Director of Toys!”
What do you love most about volunteering at the shop?
“The shop manager is so supportive. The way she utilises my skills and lets me take responsibility for an area is fantastic. It’s also a great way to meet people and I’ve made some amazing friends.
I love coming to volunteer and always leave feeling energized. It really is such a lovely atmosphere and we have great catch-ups with a cup of tea!”
If, like Sarah, you want to gain new skills and meet new people by volunteering in one of our charity shops, email your contact details to volunteering@st-gemma.co.uk , call 0113 2185193 or apply online at www.st-gemma.co.uk/volunteering.