North Stone County Food Pantry seeking volunteers to keep thrift store open

The North Stone County Food Pantry is seeking additional volunteers as the organization works to maintain regular hours at The Second Season Thrift Store and continue serving families in need throughout the community.

The pantry is a volunteer-run organization that relies heavily on the generosity of local churches, businesses and individuals. Donations help provide food to those facing food insecurity, while proceeds from The Second Season Thrift Store provide additional support for the pantry's efforts.

“Both the Pantry and Thrift Store are run by volunteers,” the organization stated. The Second Season Thrift Store currently operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Volunteers are needed to help staff the store and ensure those hours can continue to be offered to the community.

However, with a limited number of volunteers available, the organization is considering reducing its hours of operation. Customers may also occasionally find the store closing early, particularly on slower business days, to allow the pantry's primary volunteers some much-needed time off.

“We would like to maintain these hours but due to limited volunteers we are considering reducing our hours,” the organization explained.

The need for volunteers is about more than simply keeping a thrift store open. The Second Season Thrift Store plays an important role in helping fund the North Stone County Food Pantry, meaning volunteers who serve at the store are directly helping the organization provide food and assistance to neighbors who need it.

The pantry emphasized that its volunteers are deeply valued and that the organization wants to make sure those who regularly give their time are not overwhelmed. “We apologize for any inconvenience but we value our volunteers and don't want to take advantage of them,” the organization stated.

Additional volunteers who can commit to serving on a regular schedule are especially needed. Having more people willing to take regular shifts would help distribute the workload, provide current volunteers with opportunities for time off and make it easier for The Second Season Thrift Store to maintain its regular schedule.

For those who have been looking for a way to become more involved in the community, volunteering at the thrift store offers an opportunity to make a practical difference. Every shift helps support an organization dedicated to putting food on the tables of local families. The North Stone County Food Pantry is “actively looking for additional volunteers who are able serve on a regular schedule.”

Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact the North Stone County Food Pantry for more information about available opportunities and scheduling. Through the combined efforts of volunteers and community donors, the pantry continues its mission of helping those in need. Additional volunteers can help ensure that important services remain available to the community.