By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Rarely do I view the security cameras while away from work. However, I logged in one Saturday morning to verify the connection and to see which National Honor Society teens stopped by to help. What I witnessed from the outside looking in made my heart explode. Like a great movie, I could hardly stop watching.
Each camera had a different view of Saturday morning commotion and busyness at Auburn’s Saint Francis Gift & Thrift Store (SFGT). Our store is located in the middle of Auburn, providing low-cost items, a friendly shopping experience, and an open door to all that Catholic Social Services offers. It’s always buzzing and busy; each day a new adventure!
First, SFGT Assistant Manager Julie was seen working with her parents and 7-year-old daughter, Lucy. They were gathered around a large table, chatting, smiling, and passing items to one another, resembling a chaotic Thanksgiving dinner. Though, their feast upon the table was an abundance of donated items they were cleaning, sorting, discussing, and pricing. Julie’s father, now retired, worked for CSS years ago.
He’s recently returned as a volunteer. My mind wandered: will that spunky little blonde-haired sweetheart, Lucy, be inspired to carry this on in the future as Julie was when she helped her dad years ago? I lovingly thought of my own mother, who managed the store prior to her passing. Her love of CSS and others greatly influenced and passed on to me. So, the love of CSS begins…
Next, SFGT Store Manager Lynn enters the scene. In, out, meandering from one area to another—on all the cameras, Lynn is seen; helping customers, starting volunteers with tasks, filling holes on the floor as items sell. My head spins and my heart swells watching it all. MacKensie, a new, hard-working teen volunteer, pops her head around the corner to ask a question. The smiles and warmth surely welcome her to return again.
At the register is another teen volunteer. Kristen, a cross country runner and Auburn Public Schools NHS student, completed her morning practice and hustled in by 9 a.m., bringing her energy and youthfulness. She’s paired with Sally, a retired school teacher and consistent volunteer. Their interactions with customers are friendly, helping carry items to cars, providing conversations and care. CSS has full-service volunteers, unpaid, but perhaps paid by God’s grace in their lives and the good feeling volunteering brings. Who is it that truly receives the most from volunteerism?
Oh! The beautifully donated couch and loveseat were purchased! Our employee, Caleb, helps load it and sends it off to a new home. The excitement on the buyer’s face says it all. I recall the donor of the couch and loveseat and feel thankful. Donors taking time to bring us items to keep CSS thriving and spreading the love forward moves my soul and keeps me believing in the good of others every single day!
My “television show” is interrupted as my email dings. CSS Family Support Services Specialist Hope forwarded an email of thanks from a family we helped retain their home by assisting with rent. How beautiful when the fruits of our labor shine through!
The last scene stops me completely. Our sweet volunteer, Joan, dropped by to say hello and add her name to an open volunteer timeslot. The teens are enjoying the cookies she brought. Another volunteer, Louan, is warmly embracing Joan. They would not otherwise know each other if not for this place. I’m totally tearing up watching work surveillance cameras! You see, Joan’s husband unexpectedly passed away a few weeks ago. Is she really there sharing cookies, hugs, and love? Yes, because we are a family at CSS. We are one body in Christ.
I return to work on Monday, meeting with those in need of financial assistance, food, personal care items, diapers, etc. and preparing for our Thanksgiving and Christmas meal giveaways. Saturday’s pop-in kept me looking forward to Monday and this extra busy season, in which we will pass forward the goodness and hope to those we encounter with dignity, love, and understanding.
The week carries on. A teen helper is pulling weeds from the sidewalk while a food market shopper drops a bag of groceries. The canned goods start to roll down the sidewalk and I see him help before she even asks.
There are always a few unexpected encounters that bring a smile, a laugh, or a happy moment to an otherwise difficult time. We are helping neighbors in need and helping the next generation grow in thoughtfulness and good deeds. CSS exists for those in need. Aren’t we all in need? In need of love, giving, serving, friendships, community, and God’s grace upon our lives?
The doorbell rings. It’s Joan! She’s dropping off personal care donations before she heads to the thrift store for her volunteer shift. She hugs me tightly and says, “I’m so glad to be back. This is my happy place.”
