Volunteers have the chance to make a “significant, positive and lasting” contribution to their community by sparing time to support a leading children’s charity. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is on the lookout for extra help in its 47 shops across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. The organisation’s retail operation is a vital source of income to help run its hospices in Milton, near Cambridge, Framingham Earl, near Norwich, and Ipswich. It relies on voluntary donations and needs to raise £7.8 million this year alone from its shops across the region, in addition to its Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. Volunteers play a crucial role and now EACH is launching its ‘Be the difference’ campaign, to encourage more would-be helpers to step forward and join its team. The initiative started this week and runs until the end of the month. Posters will be on display in-store and staff and existing volunteers on hand to answer questions and explain more. “It’s hard to emphasise enough just how special and important our army of loyal, dedicated and selfless volunteers are,” said Hannah Milbourne, EACH’s Volunteer Services and Development Manager. “Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them and now the hope is that we can encourage more people to step forward and join them. “We’re always so grateful to hear from anyone interested in lending a hand and volunteering in one of our shops is the perfect way to make a significant, positive and lasting contribution to the community, as well as the children and families receiving our care and support. “They’re also a vibrant, welcoming and fun place to be and I love visiting our shops. The atmosphere and enthusiasm you’ll find there is infectious. “When people think of volunteering, they think of someone offering a whole day. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. “We appreciate people have busy lives and giving a morning or afternoon once a week or fortnight would make the world of difference in your local shop. “The hours people donate are entirely flexible and a friendly welcome is absolutely guaranteed.” Hannah also pointed out that there is a range of jobs in the shops, to suit people’s tastes, skills and backgrounds. “Some people enjoy serving customers, but others are less keen to use the till and that’s absolutely fine,” she said. “There are so many other things they can do, including sorting and organising donations and listing eBay items – something that is a particular need for us. “There’s something for everyone and I’d encourage anyone to go along to their local shop and give it a go. “As well as finding it genuinely enjoyable and rewarding, our existing volunteers tell us it’s very sociable and a lovely way to meet new people and make friends.” For more information, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email [email protected] To find your nearest EACH shop, head here. Image credits EACH