If the books at our Warners Bay Op Shop are beautifully organised and perfectly tidy, chances are Carol has been in.
And if the shelves are looking a little less organised? We know Carol has probably taken a well-earned day off to care for her husband.
At 80 years young, Carol has been volunteering at our Warners Bay Op Shop for more than three and a half years, and she has become a much-loved part of our team.
Her journey began when she visited the op shop with her granddaughter. Spotting a sign looking for volunteers, her granddaughter turned to her and said, “Nanny, they’re looking for volunteers. You should do that.” After a lifetime of hard work, retirement had left Carol feeling a little lost. Despite facing multiple health challenges throughout her life, she had always been someone who kept busy, often juggling two or even three jobs at a time. Slowing down didn’t come naturally to her. So, she decided to give volunteering a try. What started as something new to try quickly became something she loved.
Volunteering gave Carol the opportunity to get out of the house, meet people, and make a meaningful contribution to her community. She enjoys chatting with customers, connecting with fellow volunteers, and being part of a team that shares a heart for helping others.
And the impact she makes is impossible to miss.
Carol brings care, dedication, and a wonderful attention to detail to everything she does. More than that, she brings warmth and encouragement to everyone she meets. Her presence makes a real difference, and our team notices whenever she is not there. Through volunteering, Carol has discovered a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and joy. While life looks different to what it once did, she continues to serve others with generosity and heart.
We are incredibly thankful for Carol and the many volunteers like her who help Church 4 Life Charities create welcoming spaces for our community. Their faithfulness reminds us that every act of service matters and that it is never too late to make a difference.
Carol’s story is a beautiful reminder that purpose can be found in every season of life, and that together, we can continue bringing hope, connection, and encouragement to those around us.
#Church4LifeCharities #1000LivesChanged #Church4LifeOpShops
