Finding Treasures

It has been about 17 years since I was at home handling baby clothes. A few weeks ago when I volunteered at 1st Way Pregnancy it took less than a minute for my mind to float back to those days. Within 15 minutes I had recalled so many sweet memories that the tears started to flow. My volunteer job was sorting baby clothes. What a treat!

McHenry County residents do a great job when it comes to donating in-kind goods to non-profit organizations. Agencies use the donations to meet the needs of clients. Some organizations such as Home of the Sparrow, The Salvation Army, Centegra Hospital, and Bethesda Lutheran Home have opened up thrift stores as an outlet to sell extra donations. The money goes back to programs to help their clients.

Thrift stores can be a great place to volunteer if you like finding treasures. You wouldn’t believe the generosity that this community has. People donate antiques, clothing, household goods, tools, books, furniture, jewelry and more.

The stores are a good place to meet and mingle. The day I went to Bethesda Thrift Store in Crystal Lake the sorting room had four or five volunteers visiting while working. Everyone seemed to know each other.

My job at Bethesda Thrift Store was putting together clothing racks. When I wasn’t dropping the screws I was enjoying good conversation. I also noticed how caring the other volunteers and staff were. What a comfortable place to be.

Volunteers at thrift stores (depending on the store) can be as young as 12. There is something to do for everyone, money handlers, display gurus, sorters, donation organizers, etc. Even people in the building trades can find a place to volunteer at thrift stores. While at Bethesda there was painting to be done, shelves to put together, and they could have used an electrician.

A perk of volunteering at a thrift store - they are temperature controlled, a good way to get out of the hot sun.

McHenry County has many volunteer needs beyond thrift stores: Pioneer Center is looking for adult volunteer leaders to help with special events; With Wings and a Halo wants volunteers to coordinate book drives; McHenry County Conservation District needs volunteers to help with land restoration projects; 1st Way pregnancy is looking for volunteers to cover their Hotline; The Light Center needs a handy person for small repairs; Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for male mentors; and the list goes on. You can find information about these and other volunteer opportunities by connecting with the United Way McHenry County Volunteer Center www.volunteermchenrycounty.org, or calling 815-344-GIVE (4483).

On a side note, coming up this fall will be workshops for volunteers. Volunteers can learn how to write grants, plan special events, and organize a service project for your group. The schedule will be posted early August on the Volunteer Center’s website.

It is time to stop making excuses and start volunteering. Even one hour a month will make a difference. You only have 148 days left this year to get started.

Thank you to all who share their time already, add yourself to this list!