Meet Ryan! As a donation attendant, Ryan T. is the first person many people meet at Hope Family Thrift. From greeting donors to sorting items, Ryan is the friendly face you’ll see when you drop off your gently used goods.
“We take care of everyone that’s coming in. The fact that people go out of their way because they think we’re kind and they like our mission is super cool.” Ryan says.
One of Ryan’s favorite parts of the job is the team he works with. “It’s like a family,” he says. “The expectation is that you know what you’re doing, so there’s not a bunch of micromanagement, and everybody backs each other up. I think it gives you a sense of purpose, too, because what you’re doing actually matters.”
Before joining the team last year, Ryan worked at the Salvation Army. He learned about Hope Family Thrift through an ad and was drawn in by the store’s clean, welcoming environment and the genuine kindness of the staff.
When it comes to donations, Ryan has seen all sorts of interesting items, but he particularly enjoys handling comic books and collectible knick-knacks. “They’re like a cool thing that comes through. All the collectible stuff is cool to see—like the sports stuff, baseball cards, all that.”
Ryan’s role may start with sorting donations, but for him, it’s also about making connections, serving the community, and being part of something meaningful.