LONG BRANCH – Family & Children Service (FCS), Monmouth County’s oldest non-profit social service agency, is seeking dynamic, friendly and dedicated volunteers to help staff its nonprofit thrift boutique, located at 307 Branchport Ave.
The popular resale store offers quality men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and housewares at deeply discounted prices in a clean, well-organized and inviting shopping environment. Since all of the boutique’s merchandise is donated, all sales proceeds go directly to support FCS’s 11 programs and services, including homelessness prevention, financial management, home care and childhood literacy.
“Volunteer support remains at the core of our agency’s mission, especially at the thrift boutique,” FCS Volunteer Services manager Samantha White said. “We rely on our thrift volunteers to do a wide range of tasks, from unpacking and sorting donated items, to pricing and displaying merchandise, to working behind the register. Their contributions of time and talent help us minimize operating costs and maximize profit.”
White said the thrift boutique welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Each brings a unique talent and perspective to the store.
Eva Turco, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, has been volunteering at thrift with her friend Lorraine Weinberg or more than a dozen years. The two do it because they “love the people.” Diane “Dee” Trillo, a retired school counselor and more recent volunteer, said she enjoys helping the customers. Students, mothers, even corporate groups are welcome to volunteer.
White said flexible scheduling is another great reason to volunteer at the thrift boutique. During the summer months, the boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Volunteers can work just a few hours a month or several days a week.
Additional information about becoming a thrift boutique volunteer is available by calling White at 721-222-9111 or emailing her at swhite@fcsmonmouth.org. Sing up also available online at http://fcsmonmouth.org/our-services/volunteer-programs/apply/
The FCS Thrift Boutique is always in need of new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, linens and household items.
Donations are accepted at the store during regular business hours. A complete list of items the thrift boutique accepts can be found at http://fcsmonmouth.org/wp-content/uploads/Thrift-Donations.pdf.
