"A good friend was already volunteering in the Lions bookshop and suggested it might be a good fit - she was right!"

Want to turn a passion into somethign that supports charitable organisations and local groups?

Steph Miles did just that.

After hearing about St Albans Lions Club through a friend, Steph turned her love and passion for books into a way to connect with and support others.

St Albans Lions Club is a community group that supports local and national/international charities with their primary fundraising coming from  running the second hand bookshop in Hemel Hempstead, although they do also run various other fundraising events throughout the year too.

Hear some of Steph's experience of volunteering and her time at St Albans Lions Club;

How did you get into volunteering?

I had recently taken early retirement and was looking to do some voluntary work, but I am also a carer and so am a bit limited in how much time I could contribute.  A good friend was already volunteering in the Lions bookshop and suggested it might be a good fit - she was right!

What attracted you to the role?

Working in the Lions bookshop appealed for lots of reasons: I love books and like the idea of sharing the enjoyment that reading brings with others; I like meeting people; I try to protect the environment as much as possible, and recycling books is a great way to do that.  I was also aware of some of the local good causes that St Albans Lions Club funds with proceeds from the bookshop and was keen to support this.  I now also volunteer for some of the other fundraising activities that St Albans Lions gets involved in, such as being on the door at the St Albans Beer festival and the fireworks display, which were both great fun.

How does volunteering fit into your current life and schedule?

The bookshop schedule works really well.  Each quarter we provide details of when we will be unavailable (e.g. holidays) and then one of the Lions sets up a schedule for all the shifts.  We are each typically scheduled for 2-3 half day shifts per month, so it's not too onerous.  If nearer the time you are unable to cover a shift, then you just arrange a swap with one of the other volunteers.  Occasionally I will also go into the shop to help out when there is a specific activity going on, e.g. to help change the window and central displays.

What do you enjoy about it/what has it brought you?

As I mentioned before, I am interested in books, and we do get some fabulous donations in the shop.  I love working with the Lions and other volunteers - everyone is so friendly!  It's a great environment, and I have met a lot of new friends.  I love my interactions with the customers, from chatting to young customers about what they have chosen, to talking to customers about shared favourite authors, or just passing the time with customers who are browsing.  I get a particular buzz when a customer is looking for a specific book and I manage to find it for them!

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering for The St Albans Lions Club?

I would say, give it a go!  St Albans Lions are such a friendly group, you are raising funds for some marvellous causes - and it's fun!

Find out how you can get involved with The St Albans Lions Club today!