Confessional

What the charity shop worker thinks of you

I VOLUNTEERED for this job just to get out of the house, but I had no idea how interesting it would be. I can’t predict who will come through the door or what they’ll bring with them.

Every six months, one posh woman brings in last season’s designer wardrobe. ‘I won’t wear it again, so you may as well have it,’ she says.

Some less well-off customers don’t like us charging £70 for such items. They say: ‘You’re a charity shop, it should all be affordable.’ I agree, but it’s not up to me.

Sometimes people bring in bags of their mum’s things after her death and say: ‘I’m too upset, you’ll have to sort it out.’ We’ve found vintage handbags, gold jewellery, first edition books — and even dentures.

Most people wash the clothes they donate, but some shock me. Often, it’s smart-looking, middle-aged people who come in with a bag of reeking, unwashed sportswear or grubby socks and pants. We do throw those away.

Our biggest fear with donated clothes is moths or fleas. Last year we opened a bag donated by a well-spoken man and it was hopping with them. We had to get the whole shop fumigated.

Our regulars are lovely. There’s a lady with three children who comes in on Mondays to see what’s new. I put aside books and clothes for her.

We have an older gentleman who loves military history, so I try to save books for him that he’ll enjoy. Lots of stylish women in their 30s and 40s who don’t have much spare cash are delighted when they find a good High Street label that fits.

People are happy when they’ve got a bargain, so it’s an uplifting place to work.