Could you be a Sally Army Helper this Christmas?

Could you be a Sally Army Helper? That’s the question from The Salvation Army’s network of UK charity shops as they launch a nationwide appeal for extra volunteers this Christmas. November and December are incredibly busy months for Salvation Army shops, increasing the need for lots of extra helpers to support with sales and donations.

Paul Wright, Head of Retail Operations, said: “There’s no time like Christmas to help out at a Salvation Army shop. It’s one of the best times of year, but also one of the busiest. That’s why we’re appealing for a band of Sally Army Helpers who can donate as much time as they can to our shops during the festive period. Volunteers often don’t realise how valuable they are; a couple of hours or even a few days a week make a huge difference to us.”

Salvation Army shops will offer training in essential volunteer skills but there are a number of key traits required of a Sally Army Helper; these include:

Willing to help sort through sacks of donations to spot great toys, pristine party-wear and cosy winter warmers that will fill our customers with glee; Likes Christmas decorations and can decorate a tree; The ability to be jolly, even under pressure; Will help customers find second-hand treasure; Knowing a Christmas carol. Or three.

No matter your experience, there are a number of jobs that Salvation Army shops need help with at Christmastime. Paul added: “We’d like to encourage anybody interested in being one of our Sally Army Helpers to pop into their nearest charity shop and talk to our friendly staff. There are lots of tasks to get involved with, including sorting through donations, creating window displays, steaming and hanging clothes, assisting customers and generally helping us spread Christmas cheer! If you think you can spare any time at all, please do get in touch.”

The money raised through the shops contributes to The Salvation Army’s valuable work with people who are vulnerable and in need across the UK, including homelessness and addiction services, care for older people, help at emergency incidents, support for adult victims of human trafficking in England and Wales and a Family Tracing Service. Over the last five years alone the Salvation Army Trading Company’s shops and recycling initiatives have donated over £35 million to The Salvation Army.

To find your nearest shop, visit here