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Rare is the business that can boast this: It is run entirely by volunteers; it recycles; its sales are impressive; and all proceeds benefit charitable causes. At Air Force Village I, the White Elephant is a model business that has a positive impact on thousands of people each year and at AFV II, the Thrift Shop boasts a similar success story, spreading joy all around. These volunteer-run organizations invite residents to donate clothing, furniture, jewelry and household goods they no longer need, which are then put up for sale to other residents and AFV employees. Employees are the primary customers and they love shopping at these on-campus stores, where bargains are many. It's a perk of working at the Village, and a way for the residents to thank the employees for their many services. Goods that don't sell are donated to other charitable organizations. After the sale, the real fun begins: distributing the proceeds. Every dollar goes back into the community. At the Village I White Elephant, gifts have included televisions for the guest quarters; medical equipment for the Health Care Center; a public address system; ceiling fans for the dining room; computers for the computer lab; a new pool table and much more. The White Elephant has earmarked $12,000 for resident amenities in the new assisted living facility. The shop generates an average $50,000-$60,000 annually - not too shabby for a store that is open only one day per week and not year 'round! Joanne Kuster, who leads the shop with about 16 volunteers, says they also help residents' families settle loved ones' estates - assessing values, selling what they can and donating or recycling the rest.
At the Thrift Shop at VII, Wilma Lawson and about 13 volunteers also do a masterful job of turning old shoes, books, tables and lamps into revenue to support campus activities. "We benefit residents by using our income to purchase items that aren't in the operating budget," she says. Among the items they've purchased are a whirlpool for the Health Care Center; exercise equipment; rehab equipment; trees; theater equipment for Liberty House; and a $20,000 gift for Freedom House. They also run estate sales to help families of deceased residents, and like their counterpart at AFV I, they sponsor an annual Cowboy Breakfast. Since opening in March 2003, the shop has registered over $200,000 in sales. Both shops make generous contributions to an Employee Appreciation (Tip) Fund. Traditional tips are not allowed, but residents created a tip fund to convey their gratitude to hourly employees for their services - a semi-annual event that is a celebration for the grateful recipients. The Thrift Shop and White Elephant offer opportunities for residents who enjoy volunteering, shopping, donating, recycling and engaging with others. And everyone who's connected to the shops can benefit in some way - these are spirited win-win operations. |
