Behind the scenes

It takes a village – and this village is 100% all volunteer – both member and community volunteers!

Operating a Thrift Shop requires a lot of time, energy and organization.

Receiving the donations – Most donations are taken in through the back doors facing the parking lot. One of our volunteer receptionists welcomes everyone, receives the donations and takes those items to the back room for sorting.

Furniture items are usually handled at Shop on the Corner and require prior arrangements.)  Smaller furniture items such as a small chair or table may be dropped at the reception desk. Call Catie at 505-266-0367 for info.

Sorting the donations –

Teams of Assistance League members sort each donation into various categories:  Housewares, Books, Electronics, Clothing, etc.  Housewares are cleaned and polished; electronics are tested to be sure they are operable; clothing is checked to be sure they are not damaged or torn.  Clothing is then further sorted and name brand or designer items are sent to Shop on the Corner.

Pricing all items. Another team of Assistance League members price the items.

Putting items out on the floor – occurs daily
Lots of items are relatively easy to put out. But with some like housewares and clothing displays, a designer’s eye helps. Some of our volunteers have great talent for making magnificent displays, and we see (and enjoy) their results everywhere.

Working the registers –
Prior to the pandemic we staffed for 6 hours a day (10a – 4p), 5 days a week at both registers in the Thrift Shop and both registers in the Shop on the Corner. For our current hours please check the footer of any webpage. We also staff the register in the Program Room when we have those extra special sales “behind the blue doors.”

Program Room Activities

We use the Program Room many times throughout the year to feature special sales – some seasonal, some based on “overstocked” items and some reflect special donations we have received.

For the Holiday Shop, which is offered from early November to mid-December, it not only takes a village, it also takes a whole year to get the room ready for customers. Volunteers start sorting and pricing holiday decorations in early January and meet every Monday morning to keep up with the weekly donations. And during the time the shop is open our members restock the shelves daily!

We have lots of opportunities here for new members to join us in serving our community and making new friends.  Check the membership page to find out how to join Assistance League of Albuquerque.