By Eyesenia Reyes
LifePath Hospice is opening a new thrift store at 1335 W. Brandon Blvd. in early September. This non-profit organization is a part of Chapters Health System, supporting more than 1,400 patients throughout Hillsborough County each day as they face the challenges of advancing age and illness. Proceeds from the thrift store’s sales will help pay for a variety of unfunded programs such as uninsured patient care, free grief-support programs and more.
All merchandise in the thrift store is donated by generous individuals, businesses and organizations. Even though donations are always in need, the upcoming thrift store is also in need of volunteers. “We are looking for men, women and teens (14 and up) who want to have fun while making a difference in their community,” said Anne Ferrell, LifePath Hospice Development Coordinator.
They are hoping to recruit eight volunteers for the morning shift and six for the afternoon shift. Shifts are about four hours long. The volunteers will accept donations, sort, price and display merchandise on the sales floor, run the cash registers, assist customers and help keep the store neat and clean. No retail experience is needed; all training will be provided. Life’s Treasures Thrift Store hopes to recruit at least 60 charter volunteers with the goal of recruiting double that number by the end of the year.
Volunteers will have to fill out paperwork and attend an orientation. A volunteer information meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 30 from 9:30.-10:30 a.m. The meeting is located at 121 Carver Ave. in Brandon. You could also visit http://chaptershealth.org/ and click on ‘Volunteers.’ Underneath ‘Volunteers,’ select ‘Volunteer Form.’ Once you’ve finished filling out the form, click ‘Submit’ and you should receive an email from LifePath Hospice. As soon as you are approved, select the days and hours you plan to work. On Monday-Friday, open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m;. and Saturday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on LifePath Hospice, visit www.chaptershealth.org/hospice.
