“You feel like part of a community”
Bita previously volunteered at our Sale shop in Greater Manchester and now manages our new shop in Altrincham. She shares her experiences as an MS Society Shop Volunteer.
I started volunteering at the MS Society Sale shop, my first regular volunteering role, in March 2025. Before that, I’d done a bit of volunteering as part of my work at RBS. We renovated a cafe for people in difficult financial situations, making it bright and cheerful. It was such a beneficial place for them to seek refuge, whether for a hot meal or social connection.
I’d been a stay-at-home mum for around eight years when I saw the MS Society Shop Volunteer opportunity on Facebook. I was invited in for a chat, and the moment I walked in I thought, ‘I really love this!’
Sorting through donations
In terms of my day-to-day role as a Shop Volunteer, I unpacked donations and sorted through them for rags. These are clothes that get collected once a week by a textile company. It’s great that they’re not going into landfill.
I operated the till and helped customers with queries on the shop floor. And I learned about what prices we’d use for certain items and why. Volunteering has definitely built my confidence.
The most interesting thing I’ve seen donated is a 90s pinball machine!
But we get generous donations every day. Just yesterday someone dropped off some designer pieces. I know they’ll generate income for the MS Society, which is brilliant.
I enjoy sifting through the donations and finding what’ll be a good fit for our clientele. It’s lovely seeing how happy people are when they find a bargain, all while knowing they’re doing good.
Working together
For me, one of the best things about being a Shop Volunteer is seeing someone’s trash become someone else’s treasure. You can give something a new lease of life by polishing up some buttons or giving it a steam. A jacket that was forgotten in the back of a wardrobe can become a cherished new item for someone else. And that means pounds going to the MS Society.
I also enjoy collaborating as a team. We’re all focused on the same goal, and there’s such a positive atmosphere in the shops. It feels great when we’re in the flow – it's a bit like a production line. One of us will be sorting through donations, one will be pricing. One will be on the shop floor helping customers with queries.
And one might be working on our social media, helping to get the customers in. We’ve got our Instagram set up now, so some of our regulars follow us there. They can see what’s in the shop on social media.
Working together to get the items out is such a rewarding experience. You get to be at the start and the end of the customer’s journey.
Building a community
It’s brilliant being alongside volunteers from all different backgrounds and of different ages. I didn’t have the chance to experience this previously when I worked in an office environment. I love hearing about people’s stories of why they want to volunteer.
You feel like part of a community. You get to know your customers, and your customers get to know you. We have around four regulars a day who pop by to say hello and support the shop.
And the shops are so aesthetically pleasing and welcoming – they’re laid out so nicely, almost like a boutique. Customers have told me how much they love the look and feel of our shops.
Everyone’s so caring and selfless
To anyone thinking about becoming an MS Society Shop Volunteer, I’d say absolutely do it. It’s easy to get started, and you don’t get judged on your age, your background or anything else. All that matters is that you’re kind and good with customers. It’s such a welcoming atmosphere, and everyone’s so caring and selfless.
If you’re in the Altrincham area and interested in becoming an MS Society Shop Volunteer, please contact [email protected].
You may also be interested in
Share your story
Just like MS, every MS story is unique.
We'd love to hear about your MS stories, from diagnosis to how you told loved ones and employers. Maybe you have found an interesting way to manage your symptoms or want to tell us about the challenges you have faced?
We're always on the look out for stories about life with MS to share with the community. So get in touch.
