A TOWN charity shop is urgently calling for volunteers to help keep it running.

St Helena Hospice's Halstead store is holding a drop-in open day this week in a bid to find more helpers.

Assistant manager Joanne Hill is encouraging people to go along.

She said: “Volunteers are vital to us so we can make much-needed funds for St Helena Hospice from the work that we do.

“There are lots of things that you can do as a volunteer at the shop but it’s not just mucking in and doing jobs, there’s the social aspect of it as well.

“Everybody enjoys working here and it’s a great community to work for here in Halstead.

“Please come along to our open day and just have a chat with us to find out more.”

The shop sells a wide variety of second-hand items donated by supporters, which raises vital income to help people face incurable illness and bereavement.

Volunteer services manager Wendy Marcon added: “St Helena Hospice continues to grow its services to support more people to have dignity and choice at the end of life.

“This means our income needs to increase and our retail division is responsible for bringing in a significant amount of funds - and our Halstead shop is no exception. 

“We are reliant on the fantastic support of volunteers within our charity shops and the Halstead branch is in desperate need of more.

“No matter how much time you can offer for volunteering, you will be making a difference to the lives of people in need of hospice support in your local area. 

“Volunteering is proven to be beneficial to health and wellbeing, so it could give you a boost and give the shop a boost too.”

While regular volunteering is open for people from age 16, short-term work experience placements for school and college students from the age of 14 are also available and ideal for young people thinking about a career in the retail or customer service sector.

The open day is being held at the St Helena Hospice shop in Halstead High Street from 10am to 2pm on Friday August 25.

For information about volunteering with St Helena visit sthelena.org.uk/volunteer or call volunteer services on 01206 931 466.