As promised, here’s the conclusion regarding my volunteer experience at last year’s Horizon Goodwill/Bon-Ton event. If you missed the beginning of the story, you can read how my family decided to donate our time to this truly amazing clothing drive and sale. Ready to see how it all turned out?
Donate, Shop & Save At The Horizon Goodwill Bon-Ton Event
I pulled into the parking lot at my local Bon-Ton store and saw my wife and daughter waiting patiently near the front door. I scooped Kaitlyn up in my arms, inquired about her day at school, then asked if she was ready to learn a real important lesson. “Mommy told me we’re going to help people that are donating clothes and then give them some coupons to buy new things!” I smiled, responding “Well, yes, but we’re also helping people who are looking to find a good job. All the clothes we gather today will go to the Horizon Goodwill store and, when people buy these items, that money goes towards helping others!”
The three of us met my friend Deb Carbaugh, who as you remember from last week’s blog, had a Thursday volunteer slot to fill that we gladly accepted. “It’s pretty straight forward. When a shopper comes in and donates any clothing or household textile item you simply give them one of these coupons, valued for up to 25% off any new purchases here at the Bon-Ton through March 28th.”
For some reason I ignored my “husband radar” when Missy chimed in with a question: “Deb, are the coupons good for anything in the store?” “That, Missy, is an excellent question!” Deb went on to explain which store items are eligible for an extra 15%, 20% and 25% off. I knew our bank account was about to take a hit when I saw my wife’s jaw drop.
“Ok, so you’re all set! John, if you have any questions you know how to reach me!” And like that, Deb was off to her next Bon-Ton location…and I found myself alone as Missy and Kaitlyn excused themselves to visit the little girl’s room. I have to say, I did pretty good in those opening minutes all alone. Dozens of happy shoppers came in with their blouses, belts, shoes and jeans, eager to donate to the cause, thrilled to be rewarded with their coveted coupons.
As I was tallying up the donations, making sure I was following protocol, I jumped as a bundle of clothes were plunked down on the table in front of me. There stood my wife and daughter, both grinning like two Cheshire cats! Kaitlyn spoke first: “Uh, Daddy…sorry, mister, we wanted to donate some clothes to Horizon Goodwill. Could we please have our coupons?”
“I see…ok, you two attractive ladies, let’s see what you have here.” I sorted through the clothing in front of me, satisfied that Missy wasn’t up to any more shenanigans like she’d pulled in the past, and granted these two salivating shoppers their Bon-Ton coupons. I had no idea that Missy had completed her homework on the event, decided to bring clothes to donate along with her, nor the fact that I would be manning the volunteer table for the majority of our shift by myself! But to be completely honest, I really didn’t mind. My wife and daughter had fun not only with their mini-shopping spree, but also knowing they were doing their part to help those with barriers to employment receive valuable job training. I was happy interacting with the kind customers who stopped by to donate and, maybe most importantly, our bank account remained intact!
You too can do your part to help in the success of the Horizon Goodwill Bon-Ton event! You can either call Deb at 301.773.7330 at extension 1613 and volunteer your time, or, if shopping for bargains is in your blood, simply stop by your local Bon-Ton store before March 28th with your gently used clothing items. You can also purchase coupons at any Bon-Ton register for only $5.00 each.
Don’t forget to visit the Million Acts Of Goodwill Website for your chance to win a $25 Bon-Ton gift card and enter for the opportunity to win a $500 shopping spree!