Our community of volunteers make the difference.

Suzanne has found a way to tie her passion of books and giving back to the community she lives in through selling book donations with Singapore American School and more recently with Friends of the Library. So, when the opportunity came up to join the Thrift Shop's book department, she felt like she could contribute while also helping out MITS and MIYFS, which in Suzanne's words is a "double win!"

When Suzanne is not at the shop, you will find her browsing her cookbooks for a new recipe or making her specialty risotto. And if you ever forget any of our country's states, she can name them in alphabetical order in less than 60 seconds.

If Suzanne could say anything about the shop or to a new volunteer, it would be:

1. We need to have an Instagram account solely for "all the strange items that are sometimes donated."

2. "The working environment is very welcoming and diverse - there is a place for everyone here. I've reconnected with old friends while volunteering as well as made many new friends. It's truly a place where you will look forward to showing up. "

Charles Gu started with the Thrift Shop in September 2022 as a member of our donation drop-off team on our busy Sunday mornings and now is a proud cashier.

Through Charles growing in many positions here, he has also learned a few things that he now looks back on and laughs at, like using our elevator. “There was one time when I was taking a clothing rack from upstairs to the main floor. I realized after putting the clothing rack in the elevator, because I was so used to walking the stairs, I forgot that I could just ride the elevator too. And when I walked through the entire shop to get back to the elevator, I just realized that I could have taken the elevator with the rack of clothes.”

When asked what motivated Charles to volunteer at the Thrift Shop, he focuses on the people by stating, “It's the people who keep me going, all this time, not only the employees and other volunteers at the shop, but also the customers. They are always so nice and patient, and it's a pleasure to be surrounded by such a wonderful community of people.”

A piece of advice Charles has for new volunteers or anyone thinking about volunteering is, “Do not to believe that the only way you are helping your community out is by working extremely hard during your shift. But sometimes, your mere presence is enough to make someone else's day.”

Sabine started at the Thrift Shop in February 2022, dedicating over 250 hours in various positions. Sabine has filled positions on a regular basis and leading groups in our donation area on one-time opportunities.

“As my kids grew up, I began volunteering with Scouts BSA. With the scouts, we planned lots of volunteering to various organizations, one of them being at the donation center for the Thrift Shop. The Scouts would welcome the donors and help sort their items. I became a regular volunteer after seeing the impact the Thrift Store has on our community.

“I first worked as a cashier on Wednesday mornings. It was so fun to talk to costumers and getting to know all the regulars. Today, I help sort high-end accessories. I am glad to be bringing a piece of myself into this store. I really enjoy estimating the value of designer pieces; some of them require some research depending on the state they are in. It is a lot of work, but it is also so much fun!

“If you have some free time, if you want to help your community, and if you want to meet nice people, you should consider volunteering at the Thrift Stop. Beware, it may be dangerous; I find it extremely difficult to finish a shift without buying anything. But remember, it’s for a good cause!”

Ruth has been a core member of our cashier team on our Senior Discount Wednesdays - the team has seen Ruth build many meaningful relationships with customers, fellow volunteers, and staff members.

Learn a little bit more about Ruth:

“I moved two years ago from Atlanta to be near my daughter and volunteered at the Thrift Shop to make new friends and connect with the community that I care about. I lived here 40 years ago and I’m so happy to be back to the Island. I’m loving my time spent each week at the Thrift and I always end my shift feeling great - it’s my way of giving back.

Hiking and walking is what I love the most and living on the Island is a great place for both. My daughter and I spent 3 weeks last fall walking 200 miles on the Camino in northern Spain which was a challenge and great fun. Hoping to do a repeat in 2024.

I would encourage anyone with a few spare hours to join the terrific group of people who put in so much time and effort in support of the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. It’s so worthwhile and fulfilling.”

Hillary’s love of thrifting brought her to volunteer and started with us in February 2022 logging 316 hours.

“I had long wanted to work with a charity organization. I am also a lifelong thrifter and secondhand treasure hunting lover and have always been curious of the inter workings of a thrift shop. As a long-ish time Mercer Island resident I am a big fan of the MI thrift shop and the good the organization does in the community. My curiosities aligned and I joined up. It’s been over a year and a half now of volunteering and I love it more than ever.”

“A meaningful thrift shop moment would probably simply be how much it means to me. I love the small community feel. I always see a friend or neighbor in the shop, I love seeing the other volunteers and employees and the kinship I feel with them. I truly look forward to my volunteer day every week.”

“Maybe it’s not advice, but I’d tell new volunteers that the MI Thrift Shop is a wonderful place to spend your time. The staff is so kind and really care about the volunteers and finding the best place for you to work and for your skills to be utilized or developed. It’s a wonderful place to be!”

We feature Louise this month, as she has been volunteering since December 2021 with 740 hours recorded. She is a delight to have in the shop, and we know that the cashier counter is covered when she is here.

"I really enjoy the staff and volunteers I work with. They are always friendly and helpful. Especially with all the errors I did on the register the first few weeks (I have gotten better since then)."

"I look forward to my shifts, interacting with the customers and hearing some of their stories - as anyone can tell, I love to talk."

I would tell anyone who is thinking about volunteering:

• Just do it

• Try new things

• Meet new people

• Have a good time

• Laugh a lot

Thank you, Louise, for your dedication to MI Thrift Shop and MI Youth & Family Services.