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Volunteer Corner

Wendy Morris – Volunteer of the Year 2021 – 2022

We cannot think of anyone who more exemplifies the AL mission statement and has done more to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults in our community

Here is just a brief summary of her many accomplishments over the past year which as you know has been a year like no other.  There was no play book or precedent for the challenges she faced.  And the pressure to perform was huge!  But when faced with this challenge, she just dove into researching the facts and finding out what needed to be done because she knew we were depending upon her.  What is the one thing that our chapter cannot survive without?  Yes, it’s our thrift shop and its very hard working, cheerful, and inspiring leader Wendy Morris!

Wendy was ready to make the hard decisions that had to be made when she closed the shop last March, but that was the easy part.  Getting it back open is what was truly challenging.  She researched all the state, county and city guidelines, completed the forms, obtained gallons and gallons of hand sanitizer, organized the building of plexiglass shields (thank you Katie and Jim Fish), and was ready to open the shop as soon as the health guidelines allowed it.  She always had the safety of our members and customers in the forefront of her mind.  She has been an inspiration to all those who worked with her on a daily basis which is the ultimate quality of a good leader.

So, while the shop was closed, Wendy and her team were constantly working to prepare for the reopening.  Then once it reopened, they worked even harder under her guidance to create promotions to increase sales.  She interacted with our marketing ladies to create a video and publish articles to advertise our shop and its sales.  She conducted much needed maintenance around the shop to keep it operating smoothly and looking neat and up to date. She increased sales by having members seek out alternative outlets in the community and online for certain higher priced items. But the most impressive achievement was that after over a year of pandemic stress, Wendy asked to continue for a third year as Manager of the Thrift Shop because she really wanted to see it through to completion. She could easily have walked away but that isn’t what Wendy does.

Wendy you are truly an inspiration for without you, this year could have ended very differently, and we have you to thank for helping us get through it so successfully.  We value everything about you and want you to know how much we appreciate you.  Thank you and congratulations on being selected Volunteer of the Year for 2020-2021!