Volunteer Stories
(Names have been changed, photos are representative only)Sandra
A born and bred Lutonian, Sandra had spent most of her adult life bringing up children. When they left home, one to go to university and another to get married; she’d been kept busy looking after her mum who suffered with multiple health problems. A few years later her mum died, and with the children having their own lives in other parts of the country, Sandra felt lonely on her own in the house and couldn’t get used to having nothing to do. She contacted NOAH to offer her services and within a couple of weeks, Sandra was a volunteer in the NOAH shop. Her natural friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed ensured she settled in quickly and has made her popular with staff, other volunteers and customers alike. Sandra now helps two days a week including some Saturdays, and says volunteering has added real meaning to her life. "I never thought I’d enjoy it so much. I started volunteering just to give me something to do so I wasn’t in the house on my own all the time. Now I really look forward to my NOAH days and knowing that I’m helping other people at the same time is the icing on the cake."
Esther
Esther came to England from her native Nigeria two years ago. A single mum and part-time student, Esther helps out two half days a week in the NOAH shop. Esther says what she enjoys most is the friendly company and variety of people that volunteering at NOAH provides. According to her, you never know what customers are going to ask for and she’s always amazed at what people donate, from torn and unwashed clothing to valuable jewellery.
