Photo By Laurie Pearson | Wendy Strand, a volunteer at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Store on MCLB...... read more read more
BARSTOW, Calif. - With a new Chair of Volunteers at the helm of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s Thrift Store on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., a few things are changing, but the benefits of volunteering remain the same.
“Being a wife and mommy are two amazing jobs,” said Serena Goodpasture, the new COV and spouse of a local service member. “But supporting my husband's (military) career while also trying to balance my own work schedule is a delicate dance.”
With flexible hours Goodpasture is able to support her husband’s career, focus on motherhood, and still meet her own personal needs.
“As a volunteer, I get to choose who I work for and what hours I want to commit,” pointed out Goodpasture.
When she first began to volunteer at the thrift store on MCLB Barstow last year, it was to get out of the house and meet people.
“Sometimes the most organic way to make new friends is to jump in and get involved,” stated Goodpasture. “It's insanely difficult to meet people, therefore, I make a conscious effort to reach out. I find the most sincere way to do that is to be proactive in the community.”
By stepping away and tending to her needs, she finds a balance that she encourages other mothers and wives to embrace.
“Getting out once or twice a week made me appreciate being home more. It was a way to press that ‘reset’ button ... and every mommy deserves a ‘reset’ button!” she emphasized. “Eventually, my volunteering snowballed into the beautiful (thing) it is today.”
Goodpasture also points out that volunteer hours can help people gain valuable work experience, and can be an amazing way to kick start or maintain a resume. In an effort to get more volunteers to assist in the thrift store, she says the benefits can be applied universally to any person in any environment.
For some volunteers it helps to know that they are helping others.
“The thrift store really helps people, especially lower ranking personnel who may be going payday to payday,” explained Wendy Strand, a volunteer at the thrift store on MCLB Barstow since 2004, and spouse to retired Marine Lt. Col. Danny Strand. One example she pointed out was the ability to stretch a tight budget.
“(Military families) can find new (or like new) pieces of clothing that fits into their penny pinching budgets,” continued Strand.
“I love the thrift store,” said Kymber Schoenwald, wife of Sgt. Evan Schoenwald, platoon sergeant for Fleet Support Division on MCLB Barstow’s Yermo Annex. “It is such an awesome resource, especially (since) I have four kids and they are always growing. I love being able to go get nice clothes for all of my kids affordably.”
Schoenwald also showed great appreciation for Goodpasture as the new Chair of Volunteers.
“I love her new vision for the store, and how much easier it is to find things,” Schoenwald said. “And (she is) getting rid of the old stuff so you can see the new stuff. She is doing a great job!”
With more volunteers needed in order to support the store hours, Goodpasture encourages others to get involved.
“I don't care if they're volunteering for the good of their souls, or for the good of others,” said Goodpasture. “I just care that they're putting themselves out there on their own accord. It's such a positive vibe that can be really contagious!”
To volunteer, or for more information about the thrift store, please call 760-577-5870
| Date Taken: | 03.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2015 14:17 |
| Story ID: | 158362 |
| Location: | BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Hometown: | FORT IRWIN, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NMCRS Thrift Store: New leadership highlights continued rewards, by Laurie Pearson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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