Habitat store needs volunteers

Volunteers sort clothing at the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store.

The Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store in Sisters has an urgent need for volunteers to run the cash register and sort donations.

The store, which is the primary funding source for the very active Sisters Habitat for Humanity chapter, relies on volunteers year-round.

"The store requires 250 volunteers to run efficiently," said Habitat volunteer Barbara Frattini. "We are very short-handed. At this point, approximately 50 more volunteers are needed."

The Thrift Store was founded in 1993 to support the Sisters chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which was founded in 1991.

The store, launched by Jan Baldwin and Kathy Goodwin, started in a tiny, one-bedroom house where the present store is now located.

The current facility was built with volunteer labor, much like one of Habitat's homes.

The store has long been a vital source of funds for the chapter, which is in the process of building its 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd affordable homes. It is also a source of high-quality, low-cost goods for Sisters shoppers.

"If we aren't able to staff the store, we could be forced to cut our hours or days we are open," Frattini said.

She noted that volunteering at the store is "a wonderful way to meet new people as well as serve our community."

Those interested in volunteering may stop by the store for an application or call 549-1740.