This is a common question at the Assistance League® Thrift Shop. Ruthie is loved by shop customers and volunteers alike. She has been a part of the shop since its beginning 20 years ago. On August 8, Ruthie was surprised by the Thrift Shop team and celebrated with flowers, balloons, and gift cards in recognition of her 20th Anniversary as an employee.
Describing the shop, Ruthie said, “It is a little happy place that makes people feel better and gives them something to look forward to in their day.” Ruthie has set the tone for this as she listens to the customers and really cares about what is going on in their lives. “You never know who you are going to help. Because it’s a small shop people get to know you and are comfortable sharing their stories.”
One day an older gentleman came into the shop looking for an urn for the remains of his recently passed wife. Ruthie helped the man search the store as he talked about his wife. They came across a lamp with a vase base that had peonies on it. This was perfect, said the man, as his wife loved those flowers. A couple of weeks later, the man returned to the shop to show Ruthie a photo of the lamp- turned-urn. He was so pleased to have received Ruthie’s assistance at his time of need. This level of service and caring are the norm for Ruthie. Now the man and his daughter are regular customers of the shop.
Ruthie has seen the shop grow in terms of customer base as well as quality of merchandise. But mostly Ruthie has seen the community that is the Thrift Shop grow and strengthen. This really hit home as customers and volunteers returned from our COVID closure. Customers said how good it was to be back and to see the smiling faces.
When asked what she enjoys about the shop Ruthie said without hesitation, “Friendship.” She is thankful to be part of such an amazing organization whose members care for others and are willing to share advice.
Over the years, Ruthie has been impressed by the strong, powerful women who volunteer at the shop. A lot of hard work has gone into making the shop better over the years. She doesn’t think people realize how much goes on behind the scenes but she has seen it. Ruthie has trained more people that she can count in her 20 years. “We’re lucky to have her as a role model for our new members,” said Assistance League member Pat Davis. “Ruthie sets an example for how to treat our customers.”
When asked if there was anything else she’d like to share about her tenure at the shop, Ruthie said “It’s been fun, fun, fun!