This National Student Volunteering Week we spoke to our volunteer Crystal about why she volunteers at our Shrewsbury Oteley Road Shop. 

Crystal, 16, who is originally from Hong Kong but now lives in Shrewsbury with her family, has been volunteering with us since October 2023, and said: “I have some free time during the weekends and wanted to use the time for a good cause and give back to the community.

“I also like to shop second hand and vintage pieces and being involved in the process to help reduce fashion waste whilst raising funds to help fund end-of-life care for children is very meaningful.”

Confidence and skills

Volunteering has many benefits for young people, and for Crystal who is studying her A-Levels at Concord College, it has had both personal and professional gains.

“Working here has helped me to gain confidence and social skills as there are lots of opportunities to interact with people coming in the shop.

“It is also valuable experience to include in my CV and my university applications,” she said.

It’s a varied role too and during a typical shift, Crystal assists customers with purchases, sorts out donated stock, fills the rails and keeps the store tidy.

Joys and laughter

Her favourite aspect is the till work and she says: “I find serving customers a very enjoyable process and the shop is always filled with joy and laughter.

“Volunteering is a fun thing to do and is a precious opportunity to meet people on different pathways in life and different ages too.

“It gives me joy and fulfilment, and I am sure that others will feel the same way too.

“Everyone has been really welcoming, taught me and assigned me jobs to do. We always chat and joke together and I feel like I am part of the volunteering family.”

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with us then contact your local store, fill out our volunteer form or call Di Murr on 01691 679679.

Volunteering Form