Kate Adams has been volunteering with Save the Children in Portadown for more than 20 years - and it's a role she'd recommend to anyone!

When she moved to the area in the late 80s with her GP husband, his practice partner's wife was already involved with the organisation.

Kate says: "I joined partly as a way to make new friends in the area - and really, I've never looked back!

"I started volunteering - having just left the teaching profession - so it kept me busy and gave me something positive and worthwhile to do. It was a good feeling to know that you were helping to make a difference.

"These days, I spend one afternoon a week helping out at the shop - or more if we are short of volunteers.

"I get involved in all aspects of the retailing side of things - sorting through the donated clothes or goods, pricing them - and sometimes giving others a quick iron!

"I don't do the window displays but I do most other things - serving customers, cashing up and taking money to the bank.

"Those of us in the shop also put our heads together every now and again to think of new ways to make the place look attractive. That might mean putting out new goods or discarding those items that are beginning to look a bit tired."

But Kate's involvement with Save the Children is 'two-tiered'. As well as working in the shop, she is currently Vice-Chair of Save the Children's Portadown Branch - and due to take on the Chairperson's mantle later this year.

She says: "The branch meets quarterly to arrange key activities. This could be organising the annual coffee morning which is a big source of income for us.

"Or it could be to sort out teams for flag days or supermarket collections. It's always a challenge to think up new ways of fundraising - but I try! We've started collecting at football matches - and that's proved quite successful.

"Taking on the role of branch Chairperson means working closely with our secretary to co-ordinate meetings and contact local businesses about Save the Children's work.

"We're always keen to attract new volunteers - but our overarching aim is to raise as much money as possible for Save the Children initiatives here at home - as well as overseas' emergencies.

"As volunteers we give whatever time we can - sometimes a little and other times a lot - depending on the projects we have happening. Everyone understands that volunteering has to fit in with what else is going on in your life.

"People's commitment never ceases to amaze me - we have volunteers of all ages.

"And socially it's great. We go out for Christmas lunch and celebrate special birthdays in the shop. At the moment both the branch and shop are planning something special for Save the Children's 90^th anniversary.

"As volunteers we are kept up to speed with Save the Children's work - whether it's on child poverty in the UK or on humanitarian disasters like Burma and Gaza."

If you would like more information on volunteering a couple of hours of your time with Save the Children, please call 028 9062 0000. You can volunteer on a one off or regular basis.

For further info contact Jo Keating or Hazel Stirling at Save the Children on Tel: 028 9062 0000 or mob: 077 7972 8497