A snapshot of volunteering at Spectrum Thrift Store

Lisa Bacon consults with Jana Masters about pricing merchandise

Sometimes during the cold of winter decorahnews.com takes time to highlight a particular job or activity that contributes to our community – occasionally in ways that many don't know about. This week we decided to take a snapshot at a recently promoted volunteer activity – volunteering at the local Spectrum Thrift Store.

Constant organizing!  That's what Spectrum Thrift Store Manager Jana Masters said about volunteering with the thrift store. One look at the storeroom of donated goods and materials confirms that there is virtually no end to the sorting, pricing and stocking that happens behind the retail space. Volunteers typically come in because they feel a connection with the Spectrum mission, but also because they feel they can contribute a particular skill set.

decorahnews.com met new volunteer Lisa Bacon.  Lisa works full time, but intends to volunteer on her days off. She identifies with those who are looking for bargains in the used goods or antique aisles and, based on her experience, thought she could be of particular help in the sorting and pricing of merchandise. Manager Jana Masters was excited to grab that kind of expertise! She highlighted that the core of volunteering was a desire to support the overall Spectrum mission, and that volunteers readily share their stories within the community, so their presence has an extra benefit.

The Spectrum Thrift Store is part of the The Spectrum Network, an organization that  works to increase the independence of adults with disabilities, mental illness and other special needs.

Of course not all donated goods are suitable for moving from the storeroom to the retail space. Spectrum works very closely with Winneshiek County Recycling to recycle virtually anything that comes in the door that can't be resold.