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Wednesday, August 21, 2019 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Volunteers receive as much as they give in service
By Carol Statton
Correspondent
The heart and soul of a
community is beautifully
revealed through the people
who commit their time to
become volunteers.
Sisters Habitat for
Humanity offers many oppor-
tunities to become a part of
something that truly changes
lives. Every person can make
a difference and utilize their
unique skills and experience.
No matter the age, a place
and purpose awaits each new
volunteer; a place, purpose
and an untold number of new
friends.
When moving to a new
town, some find it hard to
get connected. Seniors, relo-
cating to be near family, can
find it especially challenging
to get integrated. Individuals
spending extended time here
from other countries may
find themselves looking for
a deeper cultural experience.
Young adults trying to dis-
cover their capabilities and
value may seek alternatives
from the usual path. Even
long-time residents can find
themselves turning a corner
and needing something new,
something meaningful. All
who hunger for connection,
friendship and a new way to
give back can find opportuni-
ties through volunteering.
Josie Newport, Thrift
Store manager and volun-
teer coordinator, knows that
the time her volunteers give
is precious and priceless.
Many of those working here
also serve elsewhere. When
asked about any possible
limitations there might be,
such as age or physical con-
ditions, Josie feels confident
that they have a place for
everyone hoping to become a
part of the team. Within the
Habitat for Humanity family,
managers and staff are dedi-
cated to making possibilities
real.
To step behind the scenes
and witness staff preparing
each donation with care, it
is quickly apparent that each
individual is fulfilled by their
special contribution to a very
worthy cause. With varied
backgrounds and giftings, the
tasks at hand are taken care
of... and the tasks at hand
are numerous because of the
overwhelming generosity of
this community. Volunteers
also have the opportunity to
donate their accrued hours
to Habitat for Humanity for
the purpose of securing grant
money, or to the homeowner,
who has to have 500 <sweat
equity= labor hours invested
in their future home. The time
each volunteer so generously
gives truly contributes to the
success of the organization,
as well as partners with those
working toward receiving
their new home.
Opportunities expanded
this year when the Thrift
Store relocated to a new
and much larger location
downtown. With new vis-
ibility for those traveling on
Cascade Avenue, the store is
seeing a significant increase
of customers daily. On aver-
age, there have been approxi-
mately 275 people per day
walking through the doors
of this beautiful new space.
With donations increasing
and more customers excitedly
looking for fun treasures,
there has never been a greater
need for those willing to help.
Between the Thrift
Store, ReStore, and the staff
PHOTO BY CAROL STATTON
Thrift Store volunteers sort donated clothing for sale.
dedicated to building new
homes, volunteer opportuni-
ties abound.
PHOTO BY CAROL STATTON
Gayla Nelson enjoys her gig as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
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Habitat for Humanity has
been a vital part of the Sisters
community since 1991. The
Thrift Store opened in 1993
and ReStore opened in 2007.
To date, 66 homes have been
completed, changing the
lives of those families sig-
nificantly 4 and changing
the lives of each of the volun-
teers who have been crucial
to making this possible.
Community takes on
new meaning when working
together to value, affirm and
care for people. It is truly a
reflection of the heart when
great efforts and commitment
produce such unbelievable
results. Habitat for Humanity
has empowered hopeful
homeowners, donors, manag-
ers, volunteers and custom-
ers to become a part of this
beautiful interwoven tapestry
of support. It is an incredible
example of meeting the needs
of others; building not only
houses but fostering special
relationships and renewed
sense of purpose as well.
For more information
about volunteer opportuni-
ties, contact Josie Newport at
541-549-1740.
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