Blessed Volunteer by Christy

I moved to Montana as a young woman about twenty-five years ago now and within weeks after moving here I became pregnant with my daughter. I've always been a "Thrifter" and appreciate the opportunity to buy used items that people no longer need or want. Driving down Lasalle one day I noticed a small thrift store and pulled in.

Upon entering, I noticed a woman sitting behind the counter working the cash register. I only remember her because she resembled my aunt. I had never lived away from my family, I was terribly homesick. I recall seeing men helping around the store and I remember being concerned for the woman who was working there at the front counter. I had assumed she must be naïve in her choice of employees as they looked rough around the edges to me.

Life continued on and I gave birth and enjoyed being able to be a new stay-at-home mom but money was tight and as the months passed I would stop into the thrift store occasionally to get clothes for my growing child. One day I noticed a sign saying that they had moved to a new location and I lost track of them.

Browsing through the store was a convenient and enjoyable way to fill up that hour. I met many friendly people working there and slowly began to realize the stores' affiliation with the shelter. While chitchatting I also learned that the woman who resembled my aunt was named Peggy and she and her husband Bob co-founded A Ray of Hope. I remember being impressed that the Christensen's were people who didn't just "talk the talk" but who actually "walked the walk" and lived out their desire to help those in need in a real and meaningful way. I got to know some of the guests staying at the shelter as they volunteered at the thrift store. Although I still saw many of them as rough around the edges, I understood now a bit better what Peggy was trying to accomplish here and her calling from the Lord.

One day I noticed the store manager Dave didn't have any help. I love people and I love to thrift. Volunteering my spare time here seemed like a natural fit and a productive and fulfilling way to use it. I asked if I could volunteer and he agreed. I began coming in for a few hours each week and have always enjoyed giving and helping others. I anticipated that I would be learning the ins and outs of how to prepare the donated goods for sale. The long-term effects of meeting all those who have passed through and the changes that have taken place within me during my time here, however, I never expected.

I'd found myself surrounded by many whom I doubt I would have likely ever crossed paths with in any other real way. Most of the people staying at the shelters arrive during a chapter of their lives where they are struggling greatly for all different types of reasons. I have met a wide spectrum of people and personalities and as the years pass many have told me their heartbreaking stories that had led them to finding themselves with out a home. Working shoulder to shoulder for many months, even years with some, I have gotten to know and love them, and they me.

During my time here I and even my extended family have been blessed with the benevolence of A Ray of Hope. A few years ago when a power scooter was donated, I inquired about it knowing my aunt needed one due to her limited mobility. Upon hearing of my need, the management staff offered it to her free of charge. I was so amazed and grateful to them for helping her, someone whom they never even met. And now this year my son was injured in a motorcycling accident and had to have surgery which has left him unable to work for months and led to him losing his housing. A camper was donated and again they offered to give it to him so he and my grandson could have a place to live.

I am very grateful for the big as well as the too-many-to-mention-smaller gifts of blessing given by A Ray Of Hope to me and my family. However, the greatest and most humbling gifts have been what I have learned and experienced from my time here and those I have met. The changes I've undergone in my heart and in my mind are the truly priceless gifts.

A few months ago while putting out items I overheard a conversation between two women browsing in the thrift store. They were discussing with each other how they like to shop here because it helps the homeless. Then one of them turned to me and asked, "How long have you been homeless?" Remembering my first impression of the men I saw working at the thrift store nearly 25 years ago now I thought to myself, I must be looking rough around the edges. Delighting in the irony while considering her question, a wave of thoughts and moments of my time here rushed through my mind. I found it too difficult to convey to her then, or even here now, all I've seen and experienced coupled with the self-growth, change in perspective, and the over whelming sense of gratitude and grace I now feel every day. Although not technically accurate, I replied to those women, "I found a home here almost 5 years ago now" feeling internally the truthfulness of my answer.

I got to meet but unfortunately did not get the opportunity to know Bob and Peggy Christensen before their individual passings. They unknowingly impressed upon me a still-lasting example that I carry daily. The seeds of the efforts of these everyday people, along with others, that began so long ago have grown into this place that has given hope to so many of the people I consider family as well as to myself.

I am so very grateful that I have this opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful organization.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.