Our House e-newsletter Spring 2015 | Page 10

by Prentis Jones, Volunteer Relations VISTA From January 5th to 16th, a group of seven students from Little Rock Christian Academy came to volunteer for a couple of hours every day. The biggest project they worked on was reorganizing the donation shed. Before the group came, we were in transition in our organizational process. Over the course of the two weeks, they organized and sorted all of our donations every day. They helped build shelves; move and haul donations; and label and categorize our clothing donations. By the time the group left, we were able to make the transition to our new organizational process. Because of the work the group completed, we were able to prepare effectively and provide donated items at our Open Closet event a week later. Four months later, the donation shed is still neat and clean, and it has been much easier for staff to put away donations and to find items that clients need. In addition to overhauling the donation shed, the group of students helped unload 80 night stands for the Shelter residents. The group also assisted in the Children’s Center, worked on the grounds, and lent a hand wherever needed. photos Two of the lasting benefits of work done by this year’s J-Term students: Our clothing shed is clean & organized so staff can easily find clothes to fit any client. The seasonal Open Closet event is easier to set up because staff can instan