Katie’s volunteering story
Katie Smith is one of Rowcroft’s wonderful volunteers based in Rowcroft’s Totnes shop. In this blog, she shares the variety of her role and the intrigue of discovering unexpected treasures among the shop’s beautiful clothing, accessories and homeware, and she reflects on how she enjoys spending time with both customers and colleagues.
A warm welcome into volunteering
“I began volunteering with Rowcroft in November 2022,” says Katie. “After graduating from university, I was unsure of my next steps. When someone suggested volunteering in a charity shop, I decided to give it a try. I really liked the atmosphere and layout of the Rowcroft shop, so I rang the shop up and the staff were so friendly that I felt comfortable applying to volunteer. Initially, I volunteered for a taster hour once a week, gradually increasing my hours over time.”
Embracing a varied role
“My role is quite varied: I could be working on the till, gift aiding donations, keeping the shop’s rails and shelves tidy, and helping to prepare stock to sell. When I first started, I had no retail experience, but the staff were so understanding and patient. Using the till felt scary at first, but the warmth and support from the staff and other volunteers quickly put me at ease.”
A brilliant place to work
“I like how different each day is. It’s always fascinating to see the unique items people donate – last week, my favourite donation was a beautiful, hand-painted Chinese bird! It’s also great to see well-cared for clothing come in, knowing that people are giving them a second life instead of discarding them.
“What I enjoy the most about my role is interacting with our staff, volunteers, and customers. The shop sees such a variety of people, and it’s lovely to have conversations, hear interesting stories, and learn something new about our customers or the donations they bring.”
The benefits of volunteering
“I think volunteering has helped build my confidence. I found it a bit daunting when I first started, but now I feel at ease. If anyone was considering volunteering in a Rowcroft shop, I’d absolutely encourage them. The environment is so welcoming, and it’s always interesting to see what people donate – there’s always something new and exciting!”
Want to join our team of volunteers?
Why not join Katie as part of Rowcroft’s volunteer team, in Totnes or elsewhere? You can find out more about volunteering at Rowcroft and explore current opportunities by visiting rowcrofthospice.org.uk/volunteers or calling 01803 210852.