Thrift store a natural fit for Bridge teens, volunteers
Originally published January 26, 2017
Teens grow up. They get jobs. In a way, The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park is following that same pattern. A fun and safe haven for teens to gather and learn, The Bridge Thrift Store is now a place that they can also work, but busy teens have limited hours. Adult volunteers are also needed.
In fact, the need for additional adult volunteer support, especially during the day, is an urgent one. Up to six additional volunteers are needed each day to assist with receiving donations, working the cash register, greeting guests, stocking merchandise, sorting and purging, cleaning, etc.
Jason Marion, thrift store director said, “Because students are in school during the day, we are often short-handed between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week. We are always on the hunt for adults, parents, and retirees with a heart for giving of their time in support of the next generation. At this store, we view our volunteers’ time as a direct investment in the students served by The Bridge Teen Center.”
Rob Steinmetz, founder and director of marketing and development for the organization, said The Bridge Teen Center purchased the entire 24,000 square foot building from the family that originally built it in the 1970s about three years ago.
“By doing so, we inherited two tenants — Salon Studios and the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store,” he said. “The 12,000 square foot Bibles for Missions Thrift Store (which operated from approximately 1995 to 2015) was raising support for The Bible League, and was a project that was near and dear to the heart of the former owners. As their volunteer base was aging and the responsibility of running the store became overwhelming, they approached The Bridge Teen Center about assuming operations of the store.”
This was a perfect fit because Bridge teens had been working at the store periodically through their Project Serve community service program. There was some familiarity between the two organizations. In January 2016, The Bridge Thrift Store assumed operations of the store — with a large percentage of the original store’s volunteers remaining involved to this day. Now, The Bridge Thrift Store operates exclusively to enhance the mission of The Bridge Teen Center. The thrift store is considered a sister organization to the teen center.
It’s a match made in heaven. The synergy between the organizations could not be better. Student service opportunities at the store have expanded The Bridge Teen Center’s programming in a profound way. Furthermore, the ongoing revenue generated by the store has been a game changer for the teen center. Rob Steinmetz provides,
“Currently, 30 percent of The Bridge’s $714,000 annual budget is raised as a result of The Bridge Thrift Store,” Steinmetz said. “As improvements continue, we expect that percentage to grow to 40-50 percent in a short period of time.”
Bridge teens work as cashiers, managing the jewelry counter, moving furniture, sorting and purging items, cleaning, and more. Working at The Bridge Thrift Store has become a favorite activity for Bridge students — during operating hours and on their own time.
“The energy Bridge students have infused into the Thrift Store is truly game-changing,” Steinmetz said. “Their love for the store, their heart for the work of The Bridge Teen Center, and the vibe that customers feel when they walk in the door are infectious.”
The Thrift Store welcomes volunteer groups for one-time or ongoing projects. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Jessica Jose at (708) 532-0500 or jessicaj@thebridgeteencenter.org.
Donations are accepted during store hours only. Items should never be left during off-hours. They do not accept older televisions, mattresses, cribs, or baby furniture. They will pick-up furniture by appointment.
The Bridge Thrift Store is at 15605 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, and is open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.