I spent the last few weeks volunteering in a local charity shop and, during that time, I found a few rather nice things: small leather bag, black hat, blue-y green pencil skirt and a glass lemon juicer (something I've been searching for for aaaaages).
It was an interesting experience but not entirely positive. I met some lovely people - the manager, other volunteers, neighbouring charity shop workers and
most of the customers - but I also encountered a lot of down right shitty-ness. The rudeness of some of the customers was shocking, arguing about the prices mostly. I can understand a bit of haggling, that "if you don't ask, you don't get" stance, but these people were unbelievably tight. One women refused to pay 99p for a book (in pristine condition) and would not take no for answer, and demanded it for 50p despite the fact that the money was going towards
a charity. The next form of shitty-ness was the amount of theft. SO many people stole from that place. Finally, I have a massive bone to pick with the people who v.kindly "donate" utter shite, I'm talking actual rubbish - broken toys, dirty gym clothes, shoes with holes in them. Some of the things (and the smells that came out of those bags) we unpacked would put you off your lunch.
The shop I worked at is actually closing down today (thanks to the lease being too much to renew & too much competition, there are 6 other charity shops on the highstreet). I'm not sure I'm ready to volunteer again just yet. Charity shops are a really great thing - good for the charity and good
for bagain-hunters - but they deserve more respect from some memebers of
the public.
Mini rant over. Hope you're all having lovely Fridays!
