Volunteering (and shopping) in Oxfam shops

Shop volunteer Edmund Woodfield tells us why Oxfam shops aren't just for ''poor people and old ladies''.

An Oxfam shop front Oxfam Music Shop, Glasgow Oxfam shop in Oxford The Oxfam Sorted! campaign

What do you think it's like working in an Oxfam shop? Since July this year, I've been volunteering in Tunbridge Wells' Oxfam shop, and it's an experience I'd recommend to anyone.

There are so many different things that go into making a charity shop run smoothly that there must be something for you. When you go into an Oxfam shop, you probably only see one volunteer, on the till, but that's only a tiny part of the job. There's sorting donations, which is always different and you never know what you'll get; there's unpacking new goods like fairtrade chocolate and Christmas cards; you could even try your hand at making a window display. And best of all, you're bound to find a real mix of people to welcome you, including friendly old ladies of course. I think it's probably one of the most varied jobs you can do in any shop and all the time you're helping the world's poorest people. Your nearest shop will be delighted to have new volunteers, especially young people, so why not give it a go?

If you don't have time to volunteer, you can still shop! Your local Oxfam shop probably has a much wider selection of goods than you realise. It's not just clothes and bric-a-brac; Oxfam shops also often sell music, videos, chocolate, tea, coffee and many other Fairtrade products; they sell cool gifts, including a selection of the Oxfam Unwrapped gifts. You're sure to find a wide choice of books too - there might even be a separate Oxfam bookshop near you.

You'll not be surprised to hear that Oxfam wants more young customers at its shops. There is a perception that charity shops are only for poor people and old ladies but, given what's on offer, that needs to change. Oxfam shops generally have very little trouble getting donations, but customers are sometimes thin on the ground. People like to give their unwanted stuff to a worthy cause like eradicating poverty, but they're often reluctant to actually buy from a charity shop. This causes huge problems for Oxfam; they have to spend over £500,000 every year disposing of unsaleable goods. Part of the problem is people donating things without sorting through them - for example, we often get suitcases with combination locks, but no combination to open them! Find out more on how to sort through your unwanted items before you donate.

Oxfam's shops generate about £20million for Oxfam's work each year, but their true impact is much bigger - it's their presence on the high street that makes people think of Oxfam when they're going to donate to a charity. It's to Oxfam shops that people go when they want to give to an appeal - without them, Oxfam wouldn't be a household name.