why you should volunteer at the ReStore

By Sam Partnitzke, Habitat Lakeside marketing intern

From the moment you step inside the ReStore, you quickly realize that it’s more than just a thrift shop. Each item donated and each item sold helps support our goal of providing affordable housing and home repairs in Sheboygan County.

The ReStore has built a community of people who work together toward that common goal. These people, our volunteers, make every aspect of the ReStore possible. Some have been with us for a few decades and others, for a few months. What ties them together is their ability to work hard, enjoy the fruits of their labor, and have fun.

“Every single day is busy but especially rewarding,” says Tom Ness, a recent addition to the volunteer team. “Every day I’m talking with people and hearing their stories. Sometimes they have a special reason for donating that they want to tell me, or sometimes they just drop it off and let me handle it.” His favorite part about being a ReStore volunteer: “Working with all the staff and other volunteers,” he says. “We just have a lot of fun every single day.”

Tom works at the front desk and in receiving, which is his main department. Here, he manages all the donations that enter the ReStore. His vast knowledge of donation guidelines as well as his personal discretion is put to the test with every single donated item. Most of the items on the floor, ready for their second lives, started their ReStore journey with Tom.

Angie Barringer spends her volunteer hours at the front desk. “I worked in customer service before I retired, so getting to spend my time talking and checking out customers is perfect for me,” says Angie, a ReStore volunteer since 2021. “I love all the staff and volunteers and I’m very glad when I retired that I chose the ReStore.” Angie’s role at the front desk/cashiering makes her the “face” of the whole ReStore. This role is perfect for anyone looking to make the ReStore shopping experience the focus of their day.

For people who love organizing, the perfect ReStore volunteer role is in merchandising and pricing. This role lets you be your own boss, meaning you're responsible for an entire section of the ReStore. Merchandisers handle it all, from receiving to the restoration room (where items are double-checked for workability and then priced) to the shelves. Gary Baris, a 13-year Habitat for Humanity volunteer, commands not just sections, but entire departments. “Every day, I would say the best part about my role is looking through all the really cool and unique things that get donated to us,” Gary says. “Basically, as soon as it's in our ReStore, it's my job to make sure it gets to the floor.”

Volunteer shifts start on Tuesday with preparations for the store’s opening at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The lights are on, music is playing, dollies and trolleys are rolling, and the spark of volunteer camaraderie fills the air. Want to be part of this? Please volunteer! We are accepting applications and, on Wednesday, Oct. 1, we’ll hold a Volunteer Open House at the store. Stop by to meet Tom, Angie or Gary and get more information on how your expertise can help the ReStore.

No expertise? No worries. We’ll train you. Oh, and you don’t need a fancy work outfit, either. Jeans, a ReStore t-shirt, and comfortable shoes are the ReStore uniform.
​
You’ve heard the saying: “Many hands make light work.” What this means for us is that only by working together can we change the lives of the people around us. Volunteer at the ReStore, join the fun, and help Habitat Lakeside improve the lives of every Sheboygan County resident.

Volunteer Tom Ness in the ReStore receiving area