I really wanted to do it right away, however, I had surgery at the beginning of the month. So, I wasn't able to do anything really for a week, and I was on some restrictions for while too. So, I did this literally last weekend, right at the tail end of the month.
I signed up to be a sorter. Not really knowing what I was really getting into. I was in for a little bit of shock when I got there. So, from the very brief conversation that I had with my mentor there, they run a thrift store, than gets tons of donations everyday. There is a constant meet to sort, fix, sell, and do all over again. What really touched me was that they sell all of their stuff at really good prices, and 93% of the profits goes to the food pantry that they run on site. That is not all that they do though. They give new born needs, provide housing, and clothing donations. They have also been serving in Knoxville since 1942. The fact that I have lived here for over 20 years and only just now hearing about them is very upsetting. That is a great organization!
The staff members that they have are fantastic! Most of the people working that day when out of their way to say hi to me when they got the chance. There is constant movement from the time that I got there to the time that I left. I spent about hours there. My job as sorter that day had be going through and separating different bags, and then paring shoes to go out onto the floor. I worked on an extremely small portion of the whole floor. It took me the whole three hours I was there to get it all sorted and organized.
It's not because it was left unsorted by any means, it just they have just that much stuff that need to always be going through! It's amazing to see just how much is already on the floor and then all of the stuff that it's sorted yet! All I want to do now is keep going to do more organizing. I love making order out of chaos and that is what that corner felt like.
I did get to help out financially as well. I saw a Glen Miller record that I had to have as I was walking in, and sorting though purses there was this 50's style purse that I have been looking for online that someone donated. I got that at an AMAZING price and can not wait to use it! I
I really love this organization and how they are running things, and helping out community. I hate that they are not as well known in my area, like West Knoxville, I am sure plenty of people who live closer to Downtown know them well. However, I have already told all of my friends about them, and my family. I am hoping to go back there soon to look purchase more things so I can help them out!
If you would like to know more about Ladies of Charity, or to volunteer or donate see the like below:
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