St. Matthew's Thrift Shop Honors Its Volunteers

On Friday, October 24, 2014 the St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop Board hosted its annual “thank you” dinner for all its volunteers. The evening, catered by Miso Full, celebrated those who sort, sell and serve by turning used items into revenue for the Thrift Shop, one of the parish’s Outreach programs.

Several grant recipients were present – Alison Hurst from S.P.Y. (Safe Place for Youth), Maria D Angelo, founder of Children’s Lifesaving Foundation and others all of whom have received funds from the Thrift Shop which serves not only as a retail outlet but also as an entry point for people to avail themselves of social services available in the area.

Jamie Madden, Chair of The Thrift Shop Board, welcomed and thanked everyone followed by George Martin saying Grace. Then Cody Palmer Metzger performed a set about the odd things people donate to the Thrift Shop and of her years volunteering at the Santa Monica shop, (2812 Main Street in Santa Monica). As the laughter died down, Tracy Metzger, Grant Chair, took the microphone from her daughter to announce the grant results, thank the outreach partners and introduce Jenny O’Brien of The Venice Family Clinic (VFC) who showed a video about how the VFC serves those in need amongst us before introducing Dr. Chester Griffiths.

Griffiths, who serves on the VFC board, which receives a grant from the Thrift Shop, then gave an inspirational talk about the power of volunteerism. He talked of his years of service – both as a volunteer physician seeing patients and as a fiscal donor – and his view that volunteerism is a special part of the American spirit. Griffiths commended those assembled for their commitment to this calling. “Why fly thousands of miles away when we can make a great impact five miles away,” said Griffiths.

Diane Hogsta, Head of Scheduling, joined Madden at the podium to thank those who volunteer at the shop The evening ended joyfully around 9:30pm with people smiling as they reflected on the words spoken and carrying their purchases – some $1,300 was raised on Friday.

For more information on the Thrift Shop: check out Thrift Shop Newsletter, available in the Epistle and on Palisades Patch or the website; www.stmatthewsthriftshop.com