Thrift Store Volunteer Guidelines, Responsibilities, and Perks & Store Bucks  

1. Volunteer Guidelines:

1. Anyone with access to JB MDL is eligible to become a SoJBMDLO TS Volunteer, ages 8 and up (additional guidelines for youth volunteers below). Volunteer hours are between 4-8:00 pm. Tuesdays, 10-3:00 pm Wednesdays & Thursdays, and the 1st Saturday of the month 12-4:00 pm, and some special evening opportunities will be available as well, posted on our FB page.

2. The SoJBMDLO TS Manager and staff are responsible for the training of all new SoJBMDLO TS Volunteers.

3. Volunteers are asked to wear comfortable clothes and shoes while volunteering.

4. Volunteers on arrival check in with the Thrift Store  Manager or staff.   Volunteers need to log their volunteer hours at the Cashier's Desk at the end of their day in the Volunteer Binder, one (1) hour for travel may be added to the total number of hours worked each day.  

5. SoJBMDLO TS Volunteers will be provided snacks and drinks while working at the Thrift Store.  If you would like to bring your own snacks, lunch, or drinks, please mark them with your name before placing them in the refrigerator.

2.  Adult Volunteer Responsibilities:

1. Volunteers are responsible to follow the leadership and direction of the SoJBMDLO TS Manager and staff. 

2. There are many "jobs" daily that you may be asked to do, for example:  straightening the shelves, assist customers in taking out their purchases, help with consignment desk, place new donations in proper place on the shelves once they are priced, sort donations, bring items in from the donation shed, price donations (this is usually for those who have been with the thrift store for some time and know how we price), take out the trash, sweep the floors, etc. 

3. Volunteers are responsible to secure & pay their own childcare if needed, children under the age of 8 are not permitted to accompany SoJBMDLO TS Volunteers during regular BUSINESS hours, However, during volunteer time when we are not open to the public, children are welcome to come with you.  You will be responsible to keep eyes on your child, this will ensure your child’s safety while you volunteer.

4. Volunteers will promote harmonious and professional relations among ALL SoJBMDLO TS volunteers, staff, patrons, and the SoJBMDLO TS Board.

5. Volunteers will represent a POSITIVE reflection of SoJBMDLO and its Constitution/By-laws and purpose.

3. Youth Volunteer Guidelines & Responsibilities:

1. Youth Volunteers aged 8-13 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian volunteer in the Thrift Store at all times. (SoJBMDLO TS Manager reserves the right to adjust or change policy per individual child/family circumstance as they see fit).

2. Youth Volunteers aged 14-17 can volunteer without parent or guardian volunteers in the Thrift Store. (SoJBMDLO TS Manager reserves the right to adjust or change policy per individual child/family circumstance as they see fit).

3. Adult Volunteers will be responsible to oversee, and direct youth aged 8-13 with tasks given by the Thrift Store Manager and staff.

4. All youth volunteers 14-17 must be able to follow the direction and the leadership of the Store manager and staff. Parents/guardians must understand that there will NOT be constant adult eyes on your child and that they must be extremely responsible and mature enough to handle this volunteer opportunity.  ALL volunteers must sign a liability release, due to age parents/guardians will have to sign.

5. Horse play, screaming, yelling, distraction from business duties, disrespect, etc. will NOT be tolerated.  The youth must understand that this is a place of business and their role is to help.  

6. Each youth Volunteer, regardless of age, is on a TRIAL BASIS.  If at any point it becomes evident that the youth is not mature enough to handle a business environment, the Thrift Store manager will speak in person or over the phone with the parent or guardian privately. 

7. Youth Volunteers 14-17 will receive the SAME privileges as adult volunteers.

4. Volunteer Perks & Store Bucks

• Perks Volunteers qualify for:

• 50% off store owned merchandise

• $5 Fill a bag of Clothes

• Earn Store bucks to be spent the day/night you volunteer

1. Volunteers do get "first dibs" on donated items, but you may only set already PRICED items to the side as you volunteer that day. If the item is not priced, it CANNOT be claimed, so do not set it to the side to be priced later.  Please remember, that you are VOLUNTEERING and NOT simply shopping. Creating a HUGE pile in a workspace is NOT ok, please be mindful of others utilizing the space.  If the system is abused, management will ask you to leave, and at that time all privileges earned will be revoked.  We LOVE to see our volunteers receive awesome deals, but we also have duties and responsibilities that MUST be completed daily.

2. Also, while working clothing you will come across many NEW tag items.  While we encourage our volunteers to benefit from these deals, we ask that you DO NOT take them ALL.  If we begin to see a pattern of GREED, SoJBMDLO TS Manager will speak with you about it, and if it continues you could be asked to leave.  While it is a perk to have first dibs, it does not mean you remove ALL NWT items from the store for self or resale.  

3. Volunteers, do not bag your own items and bring them to the counter.  Have items out so the cashier can clearly see your merchandise.  Once items are paid for, you may place them into a bag.  This process just helps all of us to be accountable, and leaves no room for questions or accusations.

4. THEFT will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal.  Theft includes: underpricing an item with intent to purchase, removing unpaid items from the store, and unauthorized purchases using volunteer discount.

5. SoJBMDLO TS Volunteer of 6 months or more, and continuously works 8 or more hours a month, are considered our "Purple Status" Volunteers and may receive all the above privileges, plus receive 70% commission on consigned goods sold instead of 65% as stipulated in the SoJBMDLO TS Consignment Contract. 

6. Any SoJBMDLO TS Volunteer of 5 years or more, and continuously works 12 or more hours a month, are considered our "Silver Status" volunteers and may receive all the above privileges, plus 80% commission of consigned goods.

7. Any SoJBMDLO TS Volunteer of 10 years or more, and continuously works 12 or more hours a month, are considered our "Gold Status" Volunteers and may receive all the above privileges, plus 90% commission of consigned goods. 

How to Earn Store Bucks:

1 hour Free Bag of Clothes

2 hours $5 in Store Bucks & Free Bag of Clothes

3 hours $10 in Store Bucks & Free Bag of Clothes

4 hours $15 in Store Bucks & Free Bag of Clothes

5 hours $20 in Store Bucks & Free Bag of Clothes

5.  Team Building.  YOU make this a great place to Volunteer!  Here is how:

1. Demonstrate reliability- You can be relied on by the manager, staff, and other volunteers to do your part and do it well by following instruction and direction.

2. Communicate constructively- You will tell the truth and act with integrity.  Phrase things to the manager, staff, and other volunteers in a positive way. Do not complain about customers, staff, or other volunteers at any time in the store.  If something needs to be discussed, please see the manager privately.

3. Listen Actively- You absorb and understand what the manager and staff need from you and you strive to meet those needs without having to be told to do it.

4. Function as an active participant- Good teammates come prepared.  They are engaged and actively seeking a role.  The Thrift Store is busy and always has some way for you to pitch in and help.  When you are in the store, be a good teammate!  Help- straighten up, restock, and engage customers if you are volunteering during business hours.  If you find yourself not knowing what to do, ASK the manager or staff. Be proactive.

5. Share openly and willingly- You are not in competition with each other.  Willingly share tips and tricks to help the team and store become better.  

6. Cooperate and pitch in to help- Team players respond to requests for help and often take on the toughest tasks.  This is second nature to most.

7. Exhibit Flexibility- Roll with the punches when things change. The ability to take advantage of an opportunity, even if it means changing plans, is huge.  If you have a question, ask the manager or staff.  If they cannot answer you, contact the Thrift Store Committee at TSCommittee@jbmdlspouses.org.

8. Show commitment to the team- The best partners put team before self.  They show up thinking about how they can contribute.

9. Work as a problem solver- Good partners are problem solvers, not problem dwellers.  They do not look to blame others, but rather find a way to make things work.

10. Consistently respect and Support- They always treat their teammates with RESPECT.  They are unconditional and focused on the long term