HOMELESS charity Maggs Day Centre welcomed students from the University of Worcester’s Criminology course to aid in their Clothing Project’s seasonal sort-out.
Students took to organising the entire project, from stocking the Clothing Project’s pantry to removing the summer donations to their winter donations, to aid in the charity’s efforts in creating a shop-like atmosphere.
Steph Maton, volunteer co-ordinator at Maggs Day Centre, said:
“We were delighted to welcome students for a volunteering day.
“The Clothing Project receives so many generous donations from the public, and it was vital Maggs had a ‘Grand Seasonal Sort Out’ to clear space taken up by summer clothes, sift items which we can sell and reorganise stock onto our new clothing racks which were purchased with money raised by one of our volunteers.”
“We had a very productive day, and the students worked so hard; we achieved so much more than we had anticipated possible. There is already talk of what the next project will be!
As part of their course, the students were able to talk to staff and learn about the service that the charity provides, but also the nature of the sector that is closely linked to their course.
Amy Johnson, senior lecturer of Criminology, added: “In a time where we are all glued to our phones, and social media grips our attention, it was nice to put the phones down and help support Maggs with their clothing project re-shuffle.
“It was fabulous as a lecturer to see my students connecting and enjoying giving up some of their time to do good, with some reporting it boosted their mental well-being.
“Such activities help increase students’ confidence and give them a small exposure to what it is like to work in such organisations and the challenges many in our society face.
