Gift Shop Volunteer

Insider Info

When Zhen Li immigrated to North America from China, she was unsure where life would lead her. She had left behind her friends, family and a 10-year career as a human resources specialist. And she couldn't speak English.

"I knew nothing," says Li. "Everything was new to me."

She wanted to experience different things in her new country. So she decided to go back to school to learn the language. A year later, she applied as a volunteer at the gift shop at her local hospital.

Being a gift shop volunteer in any institution involves stocking shelves and displays, helping clients with purchases and handling the cash register. Shifts vary. But many places require volunteers to work a steady schedule, like four hours a week.

Most nonprofit organizations, including hospitals, need volunteers like Li to help out in their shops. That way, all of the proceeds can go directly to the organization, instead of to employees. Libraries, theaters, museums and retirement homes are other examples of institutions that may have volunteer-run shops.

Judy Owen is the gift shop manager at the hospital where Li volunteers. Owen says people who are friendly and feel comfortable dealing with the public make good volunteers.

"Somebody who is not shy -- that's all it takes," she says. They also have to be trustworthy because they are handling money, she adds.

Li has been volunteering at the hospital gift shop four hours a week for the past year. The experience has helped her with more than just her English.

"The people I work with are wonderful. I have so many new friends here now," says Li.

She recommends gift shop volunteering to anyone who wants to meet people and feel good about giving back to the community.

"Because I volunteer in a gift shop, I have found what I really want to do. I want to be a merchant, and I hope to have a small import/export business."

Li believes her volunteer experience will help her fulfill her dream.

Owen agrees that people with gift shop experience have a better chance of succeeding in the retail industry.

The customer service, interpersonal and decision-making skills you acquire in a gift shop can land you a paying job as a cashier, sales clerk or store manager.

Anda Gaulea is 18 years old. She volunteers at the same gift shop as Li. The experience got her a job in a women's clothing store. But that's not why she loves volunteering.

"I realized you are not just doing this for yourself, but you're also making other people feel good," says Gaulea.

Gaulea remembers one elderly woman who came into the gift shop. She wanted to call a cab to get home, but she looked weak.

"I could have given her the phone, but that wouldn't have been enough. I could not leave her like that," says Gaulea.

Gaulea offered to fetch a wheelchair and call a taxi. The woman was delighted. Gaulea settled her into the wheelchair and escorted her to the taxi station outside the hospital.

"She was happy," recalls Gaulea. "We talked and waited for the taxi. I felt her feeling happier."

Li's favorite night at the gift shop was when a mother and daughter came in looking for items to decorate the mother's hospital room.

"They looked around very slowly and were talking. Although the mother was very sick, I could see in her eyes that she was so happy to be accompanied by her daughter," explains Li.

"I wrapped their gifts and they looked happy. I was moved by them and their relationship."

That night, Li realized that spending time with someone you love is more important than any gift you can buy.

Owen says these are typical situations her volunteers encounter.

"They see a lot of different people that are in and out of the hospital. They see people under stress and that need someone to talk to. The volunteers are a big boost for [the patients'] morale."

Nick is a gift shop volunteer at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The center has interactive exhibits that teach children about science.

He doesn't deal with sick people. But his volunteer experience is similar to that of Gaulea's and Li's.

"In the morning, I put money in the cash register and clean up and organize everything so it doesn't look like a tornado went through," he says.

At age 13, Nick is proud that he's responsible for handling money and helping visitors in the shop. Since he's been volunteering, he's become less shy. And he's made new friends.

"I feel pretty good about getting up in the morning and having something I can look forward to."

His busiest times are the days students come in for field trips.

"Basically, I'll work as fast as I can so they can all get through," he says. "There's a line all the way through the gift shop!"

How to Get Involved

Volunteer websites like volunteermatch.org or idealist.org are good places to look for volunteer opportunities.

Steven Rothberg is the president and founder of an Internet job-hunting site. He says you shouldn't limit yourself to online sites, though. Networking is also a good idea. That means telling everyone you know that you're looking for a volunteer position in a gift shop.

"The other thing you want to do is literally pound the pavement," says Rothberg. "Most retailers have no problem with job seekers walking through the door and filling out an application."

Owen says talking to the head of the volunteer department at any organization is a good way to get the ball rolling. Visit the website of the hospital or organization -- many have a volunteer page. Or call the organization and tell them you're interested in finding out about volunteer opportunities.

Most organizations will ask for references and have you complete an application form.

You may need someone who can vouch for you, says Owen, such as a neighbor or teacher.

The organization may even run background checks. So a clean record is important.

"The majority of employers are routinely running credit and criminal checks on all employees. That would include volunteers," says Rothberg.

Keep in mind that most gift shops want people who are reliable, hard-working and courteous, adds Rothberg. But you also need to be a people person. Your participation in school sports or committees can prove you have the skills a good volunteer needs.

Links

How to Volunteer at a Local Hospital
Gain tips on finding a hospital volunteer job

VolunteerMatch
Search for volunteer opportunities throughout the United States

Idealist.org
Find various volunteer jobs near you

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