I volunteered for Oxfam in Darlington ahead of Christmas

Olivia Howlett did a 'shift' at Oxfam Darlington to see what it was really like to be a volunteer. 

Oxfam's Darlington shop has always stood out to me and I have been in to shop one or two times before. However this day I actually went to volunteer between 11am till 2:30pm.

I volunteered at Oxfam in Darlington to see what it was like (Image: Northern Echo) After clearing my diary and wanting to help in any way I could I walked through the doors not entirely sure what to expect. 

The team welcomed me warmly, some of whom have been giving their time for over ten years. 

The morning started off with a quick briefing and a tour of what is a massive store.

The front of the shop is on Skinnergate which is actually a different address to the back of the shop being on Raby Terrace. 

Me behind the till at Oxfam Darlington (Image: Northern Echo)I began working in the sorting room. It felt a bit like a treasure hunt, going through bags of Christmas jumpers. 

Every jumper was quality checked- anything too worn or stained would go to recycling whilst the others would be organised, priced, and tagged ready for the shop.

We had a laugh looking at the wacky and wonderful Christmas jumpers and the staff even had the benefit of buying some they liked straight away before they hit the shelves- definitely one benefit of volunteering. 

The manager Rachel (left) and Assistant Manager Sue (right) who are also best friends (Image: Northern Echo)

Speaking with the Manager, Rachel, and Assistant Manager, Sue, it is clear how special their 'Oxfamily' is to them. 

The store has even had six of their volunteers get into relationships with each other with one now expecting a baby!

Rachel said: "You never know what you'll find in a Charity shop you come in for a book and leave with a life partner."

She continued: "Volunteering is a great way to build your skills if you are wanting a job.

"People don't realise how many different roles we have within our store from photographers, to electricals, to a wedding dress boutique there really is something for everyone."

The board full of volunteering opportunities at the front of the store (Image: Northern Echo)

She continued: "It is truly amazing to see how many people come through our doors and then stay for years and years, we are all really proud of the family and atmosphere we have built."

A lot do it for their own reasons, whether it be to get out of the house and give them a purpose or to help their mental health but it is very clear that they are all happy where they are in Oxfam.

I was really surprised by the quality of clothes they get there, they even had their own bridal section upstairs which means people even on a budget can have that special moment.

The bridal boutique in Oxfam Darlington (Image: Northern Echo)

Most of the dresses are also brand new after being donated from a closing down wedding shop.

One really eager to talk to me was Enigma, she has volunteered at Oxfam for five years. 

Enigma, one of the volunteers who has worked there for five years (Image: Northern Echo)

She said: "This is the best thing I have ever done. I absolutely love it here they're all my family. I can't say enough how much I love everyone. 

"I love volunteering because it gives me something to do as well as I get to see my friends at work and just have fun. 

"It is clear we need more volunteers because some days are harder than others and we get a lot of work to do some days, it would really help having more people."

I then finished off my shift on the shop floor serving customers and organising stock which was very fun and probably my favourite part. 

Me, Olivia, on the tills at the Darlington Oxfam branch, which was my favourite part of the volunteering experience (Image: Northern Echo)

I enjoyed my time with the team and got some really insightful views on why they volunteer. 

Juno, one of the workers, works from home at his job and therefore comes in for the social and in-person aspect of volunteering here to help out. 

Juno (right) and Beth (left) (Image: Northern Echo)

Another supervisor I spoke to, Beth, who works there three days a week said: "I initially got into volunteering after the pandemic to give me something to do. 

"Then I got myself into a dark place and having something to do every day has just been great for my mental health.

"I have met my best friends here and I love coming in and being here and the social aspect is great for everyone here.

"I couldn't recommend it enough."

By the end of my shift there, I left feeling really fulfilled and now understand why people would want to volunteer.

I have now seen firsthand how charity shops like Oxfam's Darlington branch are not just retail spaces but also community hubs powered by kindness and shared goals. 

For anyone considering volunteering, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and contribute to a cause that changes lives.

With shops across the region crying out for help, there’s never been a better time to step forward.

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Karen Gurney, Oxfam Volunteer and Development Manager, said: “Christmas is one of the busiest and most wonderful times of the year in our shops and we are so grateful to the volunteers who help everything run smoothly over the Christmas period.

“No matter what your age or experience, volunteering is such a lovely way to gain new skills, meet new people, and have fun.

“Whatever time you have to give, please do consider gifting a little time to Oxfam this Christmas and helping make a big difference.”

Find out more about volunteering with Oxfam this Christmas and beyond here: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/