Linda’s volunteering story

Linda volunteers at our shop in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, on Saturdays. She started giving her time as a way of meeting new people and now considers the team as part of her family. Linda shares her story:

“It’s a lovely atmosphere being in the shop and I really enjoy it. We get talking about literally everything! The people make such a difference.”

“I started volunteering about a year ago. I used to visit the shop as a customer because I like charity shopping. From my visits, I got to know Lauren, the Assistant Manager, I’d chat to Chris, the Shop Manager, and some of the volunteers. In the end they said to me, “Why don’t you come in and do a bit of volunteering?” I have my grandchildren during the week so I agreed to give Saturdays a go.

“I usually do about five or six hours each week. Before I start, I come up to town and go into Greggs to pick up sausage rolls for everyone – three meat, one vegan.

“I know it sounds silly but I like steaming the clothes and I’m a bit of a perfectionist with it. Then I’ll do things like ticketing the items for sale, sorting donations and making tea.

“When I first started, I did ask not to go on the tills. Some people, all they want to do is go on the tills but I don’t want to do that. I worked in Sainsbury’s for about 20 years and felt it was time for a break. Chris and Lauren were quite happy with that so I spend my time out the back of the shop.

“Some of my favourite things about being part of the team are the people. I like meeting people and wanted a way to do that having moved here to live near my daughter.

“I’ve had people talk to me for ages when we’ve had various items in that they’re passionate about. It may not mean anything to me but it’s nice to see. You can get very attached to some of the items and people come in with all kinds of stories.

“If I was giving one piece of advice to someone interested in volunteering, I’d say do it! You do get to meet others and there’s various things you can do, especially for people like me who don’t really know anyone outside of family. The team are like my extended family now.”

Want to join Linda and become a Willow volunteer? Visit our webpage to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available.