Well That Went Well

[nailit]

Started a bit of voluntary work for the local food bank distribution centre today.
I was a bit late arriving....18 months late to be precise. Don't think anyone will remember but I got a 'placement' there in Feb 2016 and on the day I was due to start I had a flaming major panic attack and didn't make it past my street. Anyway, long story short, made it this time and quiet enjoyed it. Was hoping to be on the delivery van but ended up in the packing warehouse and working alongside a few 'special needs' guys. (learning disabled, downs syndrome etc).
Such lovely people to be with and work with. Had more of a laugh and joke with these guys than Ive had for a long time with anyone else.

[hereIam]

Aww that sounds smashing nailit ...

[marval]

Well done Nailit, glad you had a laugh.

[Mamyalynne]

Brilliant news, well done you.x

[Baldric]

Well done that man.

[maggiebee]

That's great nailit, always think volunteering is very rewarding and you meet some lovely people.

[LadyCG]

Well done you. I hope the satisfaction you derive is commensurate with the sacrifice you are making to help others.

[elliemay1]

Well done nailit. I do remember you telling us that in 2016.
Delighted to hear that you enjoyed it.

[woofgang]

such excellent news! Well done Nailit

[ladybirder]

Yes I remember nailit, so glad you've made it at last. I bet you cheered their day as well.

[wolf63]

I'm glad that you made it through your first day, it is the hardest step.

I am lucky, I have worked in an Oxfam Book and Music shop for twelve years - one or two shifts a week. I am the treasurer and also upload items for sale to the Oxfam website. There is a good mix of people and I enjoy it.

Stick at it, remember that you should also be able to claim travelling expenses if that is an issue for you.

☺♥☺

[Lie-in King]

Well done Nailit, glad you enjoyed the day :-)

[nailit]

Some very quick replies there, thank you all.
I have spent the time today sorting food items into different catagories (and dates). I was quite surprised how many 'expensive' items were donated. Always assumed that it would have been mostly budget, Happy Shopper, type of items that would have been donated.
Also surprised how many toiletries and womens hygeine products there were, tampons etc and also the demand for them.

[-SharonA-]

Glad to hear that Nailit. I used to volunteer for the deaf department and it was a laugh a minute. I always said, if I'd know it was a full time paid job, that's the job I should have been doing.

[nailit]

//Stick at it, remember that you should also be able to claim travelling expenses if that is an issue for you//
Wolf, lost out my first lot of bus fare but have been given First Bus travel voucher for the next shift. Actually feel a bit guilty even taking it from a charity but got to as I am on benefits myself.

[ummmm]

Good on you.

[rowanwitch]

It's normal to pay reasonable traveling expenses. still much cheaper than paying people to do what volunteers do. Sadly not everyone is happy to work with the disabled lads so you are extra value for the cost of a travel pass.

Keep going it's good for you, and it gives you something to use when you are looking for a paid job.

[nailit]

I know that Im not right in the head at times and its taken a lot out of me to do this ...anxiety issues etc...(last night I had to take both a sleeping pill and a diazepam) but by god, I actually enjoyed it.
Sometimes makes you feel how fortunate we actually are in the great scheme of things.
I realised today how generous people can be.

[murraymints]

good stuff nailit..they will get more from you than just packing !! your company and experiences are a valuable commodity too !

[Prudie]

Truly impressed Nailit, well done you.

[ladybirder]

When's your next shift then Nailit?