The McChord Thrift Shop is run on Volunteer Power!
The McChord Thrift Shop is run by a very small number of paid staff working alongside a large volunteer group! Our volunteers are the reason the MTS is thriving after over 60 years in business. Without the commitment of our volunteers, we are unable to open our doors on a daily basis.
The McChord Thrift Shop is completely non-profit, and a proud supporter of our military community in and around Joint Base Lewis McChord. All our profits are poured back into the community through scholarships for military dependents and welfare funds grants to all kinds of organizations that meet our mission in supporting the JBLM community. In 2023, we awarded $23,000 in scholarships, and gave away $16,300 in funds grants to local organizations! We are also able to employ four Active-Duty Spouses.
We are incredibly proud of the work we do, and we are always looking for volunteers to work with us in that mission. We are thankful you are interested in the volunteer opportunity.
Volunteer FAQs
Volunteers and Staff at our 2023 Volunteer Appreciation & Scholarship Award Banquet
Who can be a Volunteer at the MTS?
Volunteers must have DOD ID and access to JBLM without additional sponsorship. Minor volunteers aged 15-17 may volunteer without a parent, and those aged 13-14 may volunteer alongside a parent, but both groups will need a parent application giving permission. A parent must fill out the initial application, and add the minor child on the end portion. A parent must also complete the initial training with the child.
When can I volunteer?
Generally, we are open for volunteers to work on Monday mornings to help get the store ready for the week, as well as Tuesday through Thursday and some Saturdays while we are open for business to assist in running the store. Store open hours are 9:30am - 2:00pm. Volunteering hours on Mondays are 8:30am - 12:30pm, and Tues - Thurs & Sat 8:30am - 2:30pm.
What jobs do volunteers do or help with?
Volunteers can be trained to work in almost all areas of the store! We have volunteers operating the register, inputting consignment contracts, processing donations, bagging at the register, organizing shelves, maintaining the store with handyman projects, and many other jobs. We have jobs for all levels of ability and comfortability, fitting the volunteers to the jobs that fit them best!
If I volunteer, do I get to choose my schedule?
Yes, volunteers get to determine the days and times they want to come volunteer. There is no mandatory schedule, however there are required volunteer trainings occasionally. We do ask that you choose a somewhat regular schedule to come in, so that we may predict staffing ahead of time to ensure the store can operate effectively!
Is there a required number of hours I have to volunteer a month?
Yes and no. No, you do not have a required number of hours just to volunteer. However, to receive the benefits of being a Qualified Volunteer, you must work 12 hours a month.
What is a Qualified Volunteer? What benefits do they get?
A Qualified Volunteer (QV) is a volunteer that has put in 12 working hours in the month. QVs receive multiple benefits: advance access to our stock and sales, 50% off donations and clearance on non-sale weeks, additional 4 week of consignment floor time, and 10-20% higher cut of the sale price of their consigned items.
Do I have to complete a training before becoming a volunteer?
Yes, there is a 1-hour guided training, and you must read and agree to our Volunteer Handbook prior to your first volunteer day. These resources may be emailed for you to complete on a computer at home, or you may set up a day to complete the training here at the store. Your specific job training will happen as you work in the space, from your fellow volunteers! (this is not required for group volunteer days)