A Volunteer’s letter: “The journey of Erin”

Kerri Shenton has been at the Longton charity shop for 8 years. She first joined as a volunteer, then progressed to Sales Assistant and Manager. Like many shops, she oversees a busy story and team of staff and volunteers who are busy day-in, day-out sorting donations, serving customers and creating a beautiful shop environment for her local community. A recent thank you letter addressed to Kerri, entitled ‘The Journey of Erin’, written by a one of the shop’s former volunteers, shows how a charity shop manager’s role is so much more than merchandising and sales.

The letter reflects the power of volunteering to transform lives and the important roles played by our dedicated charity shop managers. Here we share Erin's letter and personal story...

The Journey of Erin

“It’s been about four or five years since I was homeless, living in the Crown Hotel and trying to break free from my drug addiction. Around that time, I was fortunate enough to meet Kerri… we chatted she saw my potential and gave me that special thing called a chance. Kerri offered me a volunteer role at The Salvation Army. That opportunity helped me start rebuilding my life.

 

“I began volunteering in the shop a couple of days each month, and over the course of a year, it gave me the stability and confidence I needed to take the next step joining The Prince’s Trust programme where Kerri still supported me. That experience pushed me even further, encouraging me to explore my interests, including completing a makeup course, and ultimately guiding me toward my career.

 

“Today, I work as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs. Honestly, it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be. I love what I do, and the combination of volunteering, education, and the support I received along the way gave me the motivation to want more for myself.

 

“Now, in 2026, I’m approaching five years sober. I’m preparing to finally achieve my Maths GCSE, continuing my work supporting young adults with special educational needs at a college, and I’ve started taking driving lessons. I have my own flat, which I share with my fiancé, Lee. He’s incredibly kind and supportive I never thought I’d find love, so the fact that we’re getting married next year still feels surreal.

 

“Life isn’t perfect I still have my ups and downs, because I’m human but those difficult moments aren’t as overwhelming as they once were. This year has had a challenging start, but that’s part of life. Even on my hardest days, I’m grateful I’m no longer where I used to be.

 

“It’s strange how time passes. Looking back, I feel genuinely blessed with how my life has turned out because I know it could have been very different if it wasn’t for Kerri believing in me.

 

Love

 

Erin”

 

Editor’s note: We would like to thank Erin personally for sharing this powerful story and we wish Erin continued happiness and success. And we thank our charity shop and donation centre managers who live our values and show great care and compassion that can change lives, not just through fundraising but through giving people a chance.

Interested in finding out more about volunteering? Read more here: https://salvationarmytrading.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/