Why We Celebrate Our Volunteers
OK, I'll admit it.
On a very busy workday, I left the office to go play mini golf at Puttshack in the Gulch.
But I had a good reason.
At The Store, we have a strategy that has never failed us:
Find incredible volunteers.
Appreciate them every single day.
Make them feel like family, because they are.
Earlier this week, our staff and volunteers gathered for a volunteer appreciation celebration. We shared lunch together, handed out some very unofficial but very heartfelt awards, and spent time recognizing the people who make this place what it is.
There was the "Seed of Hope" Award.
The "Bob the Builder" Award.
The "Kindness Is Always on the Shelf" Award.
And many more.
What meant the most to me wasn't the certificates. It was watching staff members hand volunteers personal notes describing what they mean to our team and our community.Then we played mini golf.
Let's just say the competition got a little more serious than expected.
By the end of the afternoon, I think everyone left with something deeper than a fun memory. We left reminded that we are building this mission together.Volunteers are an essential part of The Store's model. Thousands of volunteer hours help us maximize resources so more support can go directly toward serving our neighbors.
But volunteers are so much more than an efficiency strategy.
They are the welcome our customers experience when they walk through the door.
They are the encouragement offered during difficult moments.They are the reason so many people describe The Store as feeling like family.
Just this week, a customer shared that she received devastating news while shopping with us. Our volunteers immediately surrounded her with comfort, encouragement, and care.
You can't put a price tag on that.
That's who our volunteers are.
That's who we strive to be.
At The Store, everything begins with love, dignity, choice, and community. Our volunteers bring those values to life every single day.
To every volunteer who gives your time, your kindness, your energy, and your heart: Thank you.
We are better because of you.
And if you've been thinking about volunteering but haven't taken that first step yet, we'd be delighted to welcome you into this community.
From heartfelt notes of appreciation to a spirited game of mini golf, this year's Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was about more than having fun. It was an opportunity to recognize the volunteers whose kindness, generosity, and commitment help make The Store a place where every neighbor is welcomed with dignity and care.
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