Charity shop can’t wait to welcome people back
THE assistant manager of an Ashbourne shop says she is looking forward to welcoming customers back to the store, as the high street prepares to reopening following the latest lockdown.
Hazel Smith, who helps to run the Age UK charity shop in the Shaw Croft Centre says she is pleased to announce the will be reopening on Monday, May 12, following its temporary closure due to coronavirus restrictions.
She says safety measures will once again be in place to protect customers, volunteers and staff, such as social distancing and sanitiser stations, and staff and volunteers will have the required safety equipment when interacting with customers.
said: “We’re so excited to be able to open our doors again and can’t wait to welcome the local community back.
“All items purchased help raise much-needed funds for Age UK so it can continue supporting people in later life.”
“We’re also appealing to anyone in Ashbourne who may be able to give up some time to help out by volunteering at the shop.
“We depend on the support of volunteers, so if you have found yourself with more free time and think you can help us, please give the Age UK Ashbourne shop a call on 01335 345789.
“Even small amounts of time can really make a huge difference.”
Age UK shops help raise vital funds for the charity’s work and services supporting older people, which have been a lifeline for older people during lockdown and throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Older people are among those hit hardest by the pandemic and Age UK’S services faced unprecedented demand when the crisis began.
As the impacts of coronavirus continue, Age UK’S Information and Advice, and Friendship services, will carry on being there to provide essential guidance, support and reassurance for older people.
Sue Hunt, a volunteer at the Ashbourne shop, said: “Volunteering with the Age UK shop in Ashbourne is really enjoyable. As well as doing a variety of different tasks in the shop, I meet new people every day.
“I have made good friends with both the shop team and people in the local community and would encourage anyone thinking of signing up to give volunteering a go.
“It’s great to know you are making a difference and giving something back.”
The Age UK Ashbourne shop will be open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday, and will be among dozens in the town classed as “non-essential” that will be welcoming customers after the closures.