Volunteers’ Week 2025: An Interview with Retail Volunteer, Jennifer

Jennifer volunteers in the St Gemma’s shop in Alwoodley. We chatted to her to find out more about how she got started volunteering and what has kept her coming back.

Hi Jennifer! When did you start at St Gemma’s, and what made you decide to volunteer here?

Jennifer: I started in 2022 for my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

What inspired you to choose St Gemma’s for your award?

It was part of my bronze DofE volunteering section and I also liked the St Gemma’s cause and knowing the money goes towards helping patient care at the hospice.

Can you describe a memorable moment or experience you’ve had while volunteering here?

I enjoy serving customers in general and putting a smile on their face for doing the simplest tasks is quite rewarding.

What does a typical volunteer day look like for you?

I’m either in the back sorting clothes, hanging, tagging and steaming, or I’m out in shop serving customers at the till and organising stock.

How has volunteering at St Gemma’s impacted you personally?

It’s improved my social and communication skills massively and allowed me to deal with stressful situations such as dealing many customers in the shop at once.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a volunteer at St Gemma’s?

I think it’s a wonderful thing to do if you have any spare time on your hands as it allows you to interact with so many people, seeing new faces everyday and everyday brings something new and it’s quite rewarding to help others out even with the smallest tasks.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m planning on having a gap year before hoping to study medicine. I know this experience will be helpful in my future career.

Thank you so much to Jennifer for your dedication and support in the shop, and for making a difference in the local community.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering in our shops and other volunteering opportunities, please visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/support-us/volunteering