Embedded Files
SUPPLY RUNNER
The supply runner assists the Hospitality Desk by gathering and distributing supplies requested by guests, as well as assisting guests with their laundry.
SUPPLY RUNNING
A Hospitality staff member will fill out a ‘running slip’ with the needs of a particular guest. The slip will be placed in the “To Do” basket in the order in which they came. Please remember to always take from the top.
The runner will take the slip, gather the items and deliver them to the guest. Often these slips are made for guests in need of a “Fresh Set,” which means a fresh set of clothes. A Fresh Set consists of two tops and a bottom. A coat, shoes or bra are not part of the Fresh Set. Find out what their sizes are and get any details about what they are looking for, like if they have a favorite color or style. Once the runner has that information they can begin to gather the items. Items will be gathered from the loading dock and/or the basement. Please do not pull from the shop unless you strike out in all other places. We allow one exchange if an item doesn’t fit. If the guest asks for items not listed on the running slip, such as a bra, shoes, or other supplies, the runner should check with the Hospitality Desk to get approval. All additional requests must go through the Hospitality Desk. After the runner has finished helping a guest they will put the slip in the “Done” basket.
Where to find commonly requested items (see map below, also at bottom of basement stairs):
Backpacks, rolling suitcases, sleeping bags, blankets, tents & tarps - Basement
Hygiene kits, pads and tampons - Hospitality Desk; more in the basement
Shoes and undergarments - Basement
Sheets & towels - Basement
Diapers for children, baby wipes & adult diapers - Basement
Pet food, treats, and other pet supplies - Basement
**Please put away any leftover items or items that didn’t work out for a guest’s needs, either back where you got them from or into the large bins on the loading dock to be sorted again.
Diapers and Baby Wipes
When you give a parent diapers, check if there is a paper slip from the PDX Diaper Bank taped to the outside of the package. If so, complete it with the parent and give the slip to staff at the hospitality desk. Grab diapers from underneath the table - the top is all overstock.
Baby wipes are for kids and babies only; we do not get enough of these donations to provide them to adults. When we do have personal cleansing wipes, they are stored separately from the baby wipes.
Children’s Clothing
When a mom is shopping for both herself and her children, she will get her adult size clothes from the shop and then will need a supply runner to help her get the kids clothes. Find out what sizes are needed and pull the bins from the children storage area. We generally keep it to 3 full outfits, similar to the shop, but can be flexible if more clothing is needed.
Parents can shop for up to two kids per day, but may only shop for one kid (teen) who needs adult sizes from the shop.
(Grab diapers from underneath the table - the top is all overstock.)
LAUNDRY
The runner is also responsible for assisting guests with their laundry. We generally have two laundry slots available each morning. Sometimes we can fit three. One load of laundry is the size of one of the laundry baskets full. No blankets or heavy loads as our machines can’t handle it. The volunteer will put the soap in the bottom of the machine, guests will load their laundry, and the volunteer will start the cycle. Ask the guest what temperature they need, set the machine to Auto Fill and Normal Eco settings, then press start. Don’t set the machine to Heavy Load or Extra Rinse, the load will take too long to finish and the guest may not have enough time for their laundry to dry. Volunteers should never touch a guest's clothing. Laundry soap can be found at the Hospitality Desk. The wash load is 50 mins long. The guest is responsible for putting their clothes into the dryer and making sure their laundry is done by the time we close.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE DOWNTIME?
Refill the free bins in hospitality, from the black trash bags in the loading dock, labeled “free bin”
Make hygiene kits from the supplies in the basement
Wipe down surfaces around hospitality desk and laundry area
Tidy tables and seating areas in hospitality or chat with guests
Sort donations on the loading dock (please check with Jessica or Cheri first about what to prioritize)
Put away deliveries from supplies and wish list
Page updated
Report abuse