Keith’s story

For Keith, volunteering at the Reading Superstore was a natural next step after retirement. With a background in engineering and a lifelong passion for fixing things, he found a perfect fit in the upcycling team—right on his doorstep.

“I was just looking for some volunteer work,” Keith says. “And since I already knew a few people on the upcycling team, it made sense to join in.”

Volunteering at the Superstore is Keith’s first experience in this kind of role, but it didn’t take long for him to feel right at home. Now, he spends one day a week helping to bring old furniture back to life—repairing, restoring, and reimagining pieces that might otherwise be thrown away.

“I love pulling things apart and putting them back together again,” he explains. “It’s what I’ve always enjoyed, and now I get to do it in a way that’s practical, useful, and helpful.”

But for Keith, it’s about more than just the work. Volunteering gives him the chance to meet different people, stay active, and contribute to a cause he believes in. “It’s definitely better than being stuck at home,” he laughs. “And I’m happy to turn my hand to anything.”

There’s also a sense of coming full circle for Keith. His very first job as a young engineer was on Richfield Avenue—and now, all these years later, he’s back in the same area, giving back to the community through his volunteer work.

“I guess I’m volunteering my passion,” he says. “Taking things apart, putting them back together, and seeing them go on to be used again—it just feels right.”