The Salvation Army charity shop in Broadway West, Leigh on Sea is asking local people if they are able to volunteer for a few hours a week, serving customers, keeping the shop tidy, and sorting through the many items generously donated by residents and businesses in the town.
Volunteers are vital to The Salvation Army Care and Share Shop which raises funds to help church and charity with its community work in the town which includes music workshops for people with learning difficulties, an employment service and a drop-in service.
Shop manager, Deanne Perry said:
“People who volunteer in our shops do so because they want to give back to their local community. Sometimes they’re lonely and it gets them out of the house for a few hours to meet people and make new friends. Sometimes it’s just nice to feel needed.
“We are a friendly team of people and volunteering helps people gain confidence, learn new skills, meet new friends, and can lead to paid employment. Two of our volunteers moved on to paid shop assistant manager positions.
Dee has been manager at the shop since 2016 and said every day is different.
She said: “You never just never know what is going to come through the door which makes it so interesting and exciting. Our shop is full of retro and vintage items and from time to time, we get some weird and wonderful donations. We’ve had unusual jewellery, a silver Egyptian coffee pot, and model airplane parts among other things.
“One year we had a wonderful donation of a complete set of 1950s Christmas decorations including an original artificial tree. The crepe paper ceiling garlands were neatly rolled in a box and they were in perfect condition. Customers enjoyed looking at it all and reminiscing. Needless to say it was snapped up very quickly.”
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Dee at the shop on 01702 716389.
Notes to Editors
For media enquiries, please contact Tim Green, Communications Officer, on 07765 003818 or by emailing [email protected]
You can also contact the PR & Communications office by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 3657 7555
The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and registered charity which has been transforming lives for more than 150 years. Working in 134 countries worldwide, The Salvation Army offers friendship, practical help and support for people at all levels of need. In the UK and Ireland Territory this work includes more than 650 community churches and social centres. Registered Charity Nos. 214779, 215174 and in Scotland SC009359, SC037691.
For more information visit the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk or on Facebook (https://facebook.com/salvationarmyuk), Twitter (https://twitter.com/salvationarmyuk) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/salvationarmyuk/)
