Have you ever considered volunteering at the ReStore? We have three hard working Volunteer Coordinators who are happy to help you find just the right fit. We asked them several questions to let you get to know them a little.
Portland ReStore
Name: Malia Tam Sing
What do you appreciate most about volunteers in the ReStores?
I appreciate that not only do our volunteers give their time to our organization, but the great attitudes and smiles that come along with their service.
What are your current greatest volunteer needs at your location?
We need volunteer drivers to pick up donations with our box truck on Thursday mornings, and truck crew assistants on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. This volunteer opportunity is a weekly commitment, please contact me for more details.
How long have you been with Habitat For Humanity?
Six years – two with AmeriCorps and almost four with the ReStore.
What is the craziest/scariest item that you’ve seen come in as a donation?
Antique hand puppets. Nightmare causing, creepy little hand puppets.
If you could be any tool in the toolbox, what would it be?
A cat’s paw, which is great for fixing mistakes.
Washington County ReStore
Name: Colleen O’Toole
What do you appreciate most about volunteers in the ReStores?
Their willingness to get the job done! We have some of the most amazing volunteers. They are flexible and excited to tackle whichever task comes through that donation door!
What are your current greatest volunteer needs at your location?
We always need volunteers to go out on our truck to help pick up donations. We typically schedule pick ups during our morning shift from 9-1 and need some good strong backs to ride along with our staff driver, Mike.
How long have you been with Habitat For Humanity?
I’ve been working at the Restore since January 2011 – a little over a year-and-a-half. I also did an internship with an affiliate in Michigan and have volunteered at affiliates in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA.
What is the craziest/scariest item that you’ve seen come in as a donation?
One of the coolest things that we have gotten in at the Washington County store would have to be the hair dryer chairs – or stylist chairs? Most of the scary things we get have very large spiders or fake snakes attached!
If you could be any tool in the toolbox, what would it be?
That’s a tough question. There are some really great tools out there. If I had to, I’d choose a cat’s paw. It’s a simple tool but I like it.
Clark County Habitat for Humanity Store
Name: Janell Watt
What do you appreciate most about volunteers in the ReStores?
What I appreciate the MOST is the time they are willing to spend helping us run our store. Even when the sun is shining and it’s beautiful outside, we have an incredible army of volunteers who choose to spend a few hours helping us get through the day.
What are your current greatest volunteer needs at your location?
We need volunteers who can commit to one 4-hour shift a week helping us run our front end. We have lots of shifts available, and we’re pretty flexible. This is a great position for someone who likes to talk to people, is a creative thinker and/or anyone who likes to keep busy and organized. Plus, you get to hang out with yours truly.
How long have you been with Habitat For Humanity?
3 years as a volunteer with the Portland affiliate, and a little over 3 years as Volunteer Coordinator at the Vancouver Store.
What is the craziest/scariest item that you’ve seen come in as a donation?
I would say that the giant swordfish takes the cake. It came in as part of a huge donation from Red Lobster when they remodeled their restaurant. It lasted about 30 seconds on the floor before it sold…I miss him, and I hope he’s in a good home.
If you could be any tool in the toolbox, what would it be?
I would be a hammer. I’d hammer in the morning and in the evening. I’d hammer all over this land.
