When Mary Peto moved from Surrey to Somerset one November nearly 20 years ago, she didn’t know many people. “It was quite lonely,” she admits. But a simple walk into Langport’s St Margaret’s shop changed everything.
“I wandered down here one day, came into the shop and asked if they needed more volunteers,” she says. “And yes, they did.”
That was the start of it, and I’ve been here ever since. I love it.”Mary
Over two decades of volunteering, Mary has found a sense of belonging. “The people are really nice,” she says with a smile. “It’s lovely to get a chance to meet people and to know you’re volunteering for such an amazing cause.”
Mary has spent time sorting clothes and bric-a-brac, but she found her true calling in the children’s section. “Not many people were interested in the children’s books, so I took it on. I’ve got grandchildren, I love children, and I love children’s books. I sort them, display them, save the wintery ones for Christmas – because I think it’s so important for children to read.”
Christmas is Mary’s favourite time of year – and her love of the season shines through in the way she brings joy to others. Each December, she makes it her personal mission to find homes for every single teddy bear in the shop.
“With their little faces looking out from the shelves, I can’t bear to think of them being left behind,” she says with a smile. “I always tell customers, ‘We can’t let this bear spend Christmas alone; he needs a home!’”
Over the years, Mary has witnessed just how deeply St Margaret’s touches people’s lives. “I’ve spoken to so many customers who’ve had help from St Margaret’s,” she shares. “They’re always very grateful.”
She has some fond memories, like the time her phone, tucked into a red glasses case, nearly ended up being purchased! “One of the volunteers said he thought it was a donation and priced it up!” she chuckles. “We had a good laugh about that.”
Mary speaks fondly of her team.
We’re a friendly bunch. The staff are lovely, encouraging, and always ready to listen. It’s like a little family.”Mary
She would recommend volunteering to anyone. “If anyone’s feeling lonely, I’d say come down here. You don’t have to commit to every day – just a few hours a week. You’ll always be welcomed.”
Mary’s story reminds us that care and compassion takes many forms: sometimes, it looks like a smiling volunteer behind a shelf of children’s books, helping to make a difference one day at a time.