Charity appeals for more volunteers as Northampton shop is ‘busier all the time’ since reopening

A charity has launched an appeal to gain more volunteers at its Northampton store after increased trade following the post-lockdown closure.

Barnardo’s, in Abington Street, has been ‘busier all the time’ since reopening earlier in the summer following months of being shut due to the pandemic.

Celebrating the shop's one-year anniversary, staff are now looking for more volunteers to join their team and help to support vulnerable children and their families in the area.

Shop manager Donna Henry said: “We are very proud to have been open for a year raising vital funds for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and families, as well as serving our local community.

“It has been an extremely eventful first year.

“We have been very busy since re-opening back in the summer and we are getting busier all the time, so we would love to have more volunteers and we always need donations if people have been having a clear-out during lockdown.

“I would like to thank all of our team here and of course our loyal customers, who continue to support us with their custom and donations, helping to recoup vital funds lost during the past year.

“Having personal exposure to the devastation caused by issues that affect young people I am proud to be in a role which allows me to contribute towards helping them through Barnardo’s work.”

Samantha Dean, Barnardo’s Area Business Manager, added: “Volunteers are the backbone of Barnardo’s shops and the charity would not be able to do what it does without them.

“They get involved for many reasons - from supporting the work and cause, to doing something unusual and inspiring or learning new skills.

“It is fun and rewarding, an opportunity to meet new people and it can even be a stepping stone to a new career.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can pop in and say hello or phone 01604 631 919. All Barnardo’s volunteers are given full training and support.

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