I’ve known people over the years who guard their volunteer time at Redeemed Remnants like it’s a meeting with the Queen.
Now I know why.
Redeemed Remnants is the resale/thrift store that generates finances for ATLAS of Rock County. ATLAS offers free Christian counseling and other services to people in need.
As chairman of the ATLAS board, I’ve been volunteering at Redeemed Remnants to gain a better understanding of how the business works.
And wow, does it work.
Spending time in “the back room” at Redeemed Remnants is like hanging out in a beehive, or, maybe with a flock of humming birds.
A few weeks ago following the Luverne city-wide rummage sales, donations in the reception area reached halfway to the very tall ceiling. I returned a few days later to find the pile of boxes and bags gone. In record time, the donations had been sorted, cleaned, organized, hauled, stored, repaired, placed and delivered.
The people who volunteer at Redeemed Remnants are sharp, capable, talented and, of course, hardworking. Committing to volunteer at Redeemed Remnants is serious business.
It’s also a boatload of fun. Nothing beats unpacking a box of donated lingerie or holding up a large “what do you think this might be?”
It’s fun to greet people in the alley to thank them for their donation. It’s fun to go through boxes trying to imagine the kind of person the donor might be.
“Hmmm …maybe works in a bank…lost some weight…has a kid in Luverne High School?”
It’s fun watching customers browsing and finding treasures. “Look! An old-fashioned lemon squeezer!”
It’s fun working at the cash register and helping people admire their purchases. “Wow! All this for just $24! You won’t find these prices at the mall!”
It’s fun evaluating whether or not an article of donated clothing goes in the “keep, good or bale” bin.
“Smells fresh? In style? In season? Nearly perfect condition? Yep! It’s a keeper!”
Of course the most fun is break time. Sitting down for a cup of coffee. Choosing one of the 400 treats on the break room table.
And then, enjoying a conversation with a few wonderful, dedicated people and learning the reason they guard their volunteer time at Redeemed Remnants like it’s a meeting with the Queen – “Because it’s fun!”