We met at the Community Hospice shop in Welling ready to get sorting.

Andrew welcomed me (as a newcomer) with a tour of the warehouse and showed me how to assess donated items - what makes it onto the shop floor, and what’s better suited for other collections like rags. It was a great hands-on lesson in spotting quality and value. And whenever I hesitated, our more experience sorters Simon and Caroline were there with expert guidance, helping it make sure nothing useful went to waste.

Of course, we didn’t just quietly sort for three hours. We rose to the occasion by modelling some standout pieces: aprons and hats, silky Japanese robes, coats, and even a wedding veil. It turns out that charity sorting comes with an unexpected side of fashion show!

There was plenty of chat ranging from fairy-tale love stories to favourite foods (with adobo making a memorable appearance), and lots of laughs. It made the time fly by and reminded us how social and uplifting volunteering can be.

By the end of the session, we’d not only sorted a huge pile of donations but also helped ensure that quality items could be sold to raise funds, while others were redirected responsibly. It’s work that directly supports the Community Hospice and the care they provide in the community.

Until next time. ~ Cecilia D🍀

Three of us joined Andrew, the manager, at the Community Hospice warehouse. It was my first time at this task, and I was alongside Caroline and Simon who are regulars there.

We sorted through a mountain of donations in record time. We saved some hidden gems, and found some sloths hanging around waiting for a new home!

We were that busy, we blinked and suddenly it was time to pack up. It felt like we had only just started but we made a big dent in getting through the donations.

It was really rewarding to help such a great charity.

There’s no denying that donation sorting is a serious business and when we help out at the Community Hospice warehouse we are careful to sift out the best items ready for the shop floor. But there's always room for a little fun along the way.

Today’s haul really packed a punch with a knockout collection of sports kit — gym gear, an England tracksuit top, a taekwondo top (yes, we learned it’s officially called a 'dobok'), and a bundle of boxing gloves🥊🥊.

🔔🔔Ding, ding, seconds away: cue Johnny and Ivar stepping into the ring for a dramatic slo-mo face-off for the camera. Of course, it was show and no blows... float like a butterfly, pose like a champion.

Meanwhile, Sarah snuggled into a cosy Mickey Mouse blanket hoodie, proving that donation sorting can have its soft side too.

And what about the scarves and neckwear galore that we unpacked? Too good to pass up another photo opportunity, we layered them on for a group shot depicting chic charity shop couture.

From ringside rivalries to fashion statements, it’s safe to say we covered lots of angles today. Plenty of donated bags emptied and sorted in to men's, womens, kids, shoes & bags, linen & homewear, accessories, prom dresses, Christmas garments, and items that, sadly, didn't hit the mark for resale.

The time flew by and at the final bell we headed home, happy that we'd rescued lots of clothes from landfill and set them on the journey for a new life ♻️.

Thank you to James and Andrew in the warehouse team for having us. We'll be back again tomorrow, when Caroline, Simon and will Lisa taking over where we left off.

Another three-hour stint at the Community Hospice shop, sorting through a steady stream of donated clothes, books, games, toys, and all manner of other bits and pieces.

After a few sessions like this, Caroline and I are becoming old hands—practically experts at separating the 'keepers' from 'no way, José' pile.

It’s also reassuring to see just how much of what’s donated is recycled and finds a new home, rather than simply being thrown away. It's good to know that these items are getting a second life.

I'm surprised how often things come through with the shop labels still attached—absolute bargains for anyone happy to embrace second-hand finds.

I’m definitely one of those people. I love to pick up a good charity shop bargain, and I do like having a browse even when I'm not looking for anything —you never quite know what you’ll stumble across!

Well it was another fun three hour session back at the Community Hospice shop sorting through the many bags of donated items and separating the 'gems' from the 'not bads' and the 'I don't think sos'.

iNormally we might spot some extraordinary items that delight and amuse but not so much today. Neither of us could bring ourselves to look at this passion fruit dressing gown, although we were mildly enchanted by cute soft toys that come through. This owl and gingerbread man for instance 🦉.

The day’s true conversation piece, though, was an ostrich - or perhaps an emu - wall light. The species remains under investigation! Its most striking feature is the electrical cable emerging boldly from its beak, dangling for all the world to see. One assumes this is a bold artistic statement and while I admire the creative vision, it’s not a look we’ll be rushing to install at home anytime soon!

If you'd like to lend a hand, look out for future sessions. Who knows what gems you might come across!

GoodGymers Caroline and Simon were back at the Community Hospice warehouse today, for another session of donation-sorting.

Working their way through bag after bag of pre-loved items, they also took time to wrestle a soft-toy snake 🐍 and model some seasonal headgear! Simon even ended up buying the bobble hat in the photo!

If you'd like to help out at the Hospice, look out for new dates coming soon.