Anne’s volunteer Story – 10 Years of Giving Back at the Driffield Store

I began volunteering with Dove House nearly ten years ago, and it’s hard to believe how quickly that time has gone. I moved to the area after retiring and knew I wanted to stay active and connected. One day, I walked into the Dove House shop in Driffield just to browse and ended up joining the team almost straight away. Something about the atmosphere felt welcoming and genuine, and I knew it was somewhere I could contribute and feel part of something special.

Since that day, volunteering at the Driffield store has become an important part of my life. We’re a small, friendly team, and there’s a real sense of purpose in everything we do. My typical day varies; we rotate between working on the till, sorting donations, steaming clothes, and helping out wherever needed. There’s always something to do, but there’s also plenty of laughter and camaraderie along the way.

One of the best parts of volunteering is simply being with the staff and other volunteers. It’s a joy to work alongside people who care, and I always enjoy helping our customers, whether it's offering a friendly chat, assisting them with a purchase, or simply being part of their day. There’s a warmth and community spirit in the shop that you don’t find just anywhere.

To me, the biggest reward is knowing I’m giving back to a really worthwhile cause. Dove House do such incredible work, and being part of that, even in a small way, feels meaningful. I may not be on the front lines of care, but every sale we make in the shop helps support patients and families in their time of need. That’s something I’m proud of.

Volunteering has also helped me personally. After retiring, I found myself with a lot more time on my hands, and that could easily have led to feeling isolated or lonely. But being part of the Dove House team has given me structure, social interaction, and a real sense of belonging. It’s definitely helped me stay connected and feel valued.

There isn’t one single moment that stands out as "the best", it’s the everyday experiences that mean the most. The smiles from customers, the teamwork behind the scenes, the satisfaction of getting things done, it all adds up.

If I had to sum up volunteering at Dove House in three words, I’d say: a very nice place. That might sound simple, but it’s true. It’s a lovely environment with good people, and I genuinely look forward to coming in.
To anyone thinking about volunteering, I’d say: Give it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose, and so much to gain, new skills, new friends, and the chance to make a real difference. I’m so glad I took that first step into the shop all those years ago.