When folks think of volunteering for Rescue Ranch, they envision scooping yards, walking dogs, cuddling puppies, or washing dishes. Certainly these tasks are important and we’re so grateful for all the ways our volunteers help us care for the shelter dogs on a daily basis. But did you know that the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store is staffed almost entirely by volunteers? No poop-scooping required! Thrift Store volunteers have a blast sorting and stocking shelves with endless mountains of donations. Their dedicated efforts provide an important source of revenue for the Ranch. So if you’re looking for a way to help that is a little less furry, read on!
A volunteer-run store
While they teamed up with Rescue Ranch in 2017, the Thrift Store has been supporting shelter pets and helping the community for over 30 years(opens in new tab). Now more than ever, Thrift Store revenue is critical to our mission. Not until my recent visit, however, did I fully realized the scope of their work. They process a massive and continual influx of donations on an almost entirely volunteer-run basis.
When I stopped by, manager Jodi Wilson and her daughter Kassie introduced me to Kathy, Barbara, and Laura, three regular Thrift Store volunteers on duty that day. Kathy took me on a behind-the-scenes tour so I could get a sense of what is involved. She’s been volunteering for the Thrift Store for over 30 years and exudes enthusiasm for her work.
We started in the sorting area. Almost as big as the showroom itself, this is where a daily crew of 3-4 volunteers sift through endless mountains of donations. Kathy says it’s a constant deluge–they have to keep up or they’ll go under.
You might think the volume of donations would create stress. But Thrift Store volunteers genuinely love what they do and have a remarkably smooth system for sorting goods. Donations move from the back door, to storage (for overflow and seasonal items), to the sorting room. Here, goods are organized physically into different sections, including sports and electronics, kitchen, clothing, bedding, pet supplies, jewelry, etc. Kind of a store within a store, if you will. Volunteers are assigned to these stations to identify, check over, clean, and price the items received.
Camaraderie and treasure-hunting
Sorting is like a treasure hunt–and naturally Thrift Store volunteers get first pick. One of the things Kathy loves best is getting to learn something new every day. Many of the items that arrive are complete mysteries, so the team uses a clever app called Google Lens to help identify and price the items. The app matches a photo of the item with similar goods on Ebay or other websites, which volunteers can then use to decide on a reasonable price.
Volunteers also test all the electronics and kitchen items, etc., to make sure they are functional. When it comes to clothing and bedding, they’re pretty picky. Items not up to Thrift Store standards are passed on to other non-profits for rummage sales or go to Goodwill.
I was so impressed by the camaraderie between the volunteers. There was much joking and laughter as they showed me some of the new items waiting to be priced. Working at the Thrift Store gives a sense of purpose and provides a regular social outlet for folks who are retired or who live in rural areas.
Join the award-winning team of Thrift Store volunteers!
The Rescue Ranch Thrift Store provides a major service to the community by recycling cast-off goods and selling them at incredible prices. Monthly sales make their offerings even more affordable. It’s no wonder the City of Yreka awarded the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store the 2025 Nonprofit Of The Year Award, “For exceptional service, impactful programs and unwavering commitment to improving lives in our community.”
With the high volume of goods constantly needing to be processed, manager Jodi Wilson would love to find at least 1-2 more regular volunteers to join the team. Hours are flexible–they’re grateful for all the help they can get. Volunteers with expertise in any particular field, for example in antiques, are very much appreciated when it comes to identifying and pricing items.
If you’re interested in joining the team of Thrift Store volunteers, please stop by the store at 827 S. Main Street, Yreka, and ask for an application at the front counter. You’ll be welcomed with open arms!
