For almost 20 years, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula has hosted its popular Treasure Sale. What began as a small event has grown into a well run operation with a wonderful variety of items to discover. Shoppers find the perfect treasure, while others purge their homes and donate for a good cause. Everyone wins!
What shoppers may not see is the work behind the scenes. Our dedicated volunteers sort, organize, research, price, merchandise, advertise, and sell the donated items, somehow turning tables and boxes into a sale that looks remarkably like MOWMP Thrift Shop. Let’s meet the volunteers who make it happen.
JoJo Heinen has created our Craigslist ads for more than nine years, enticing shoppers to come searching for treasures. She also researches seemingly ordinary donations and discovers true treasures, helping us recognize the value and history of many items.
Robin Ashley, a newer volunteer recruited by JoJo, has already made her mark. Her attention to detail and organizational skills have brought new sparkle to the jewelry department, where those little treasures are beautifully displayed.
Paula Browning is bilingual and brings her retail background and enthusiasm to every sale. She loves merchandising and helping customers find just the right purchase, The Holiday Sale is probably her favorite because she gets to share her gift wrapping skills. Paula has supported MOWMP programs for 13 years by doing what she loves, helping people.
Lee Willoughby is both a shopper and a donor. She encourages family and neighbors to purge for a good cause, brings her own donations regularly, and greets everyone with a warm welcome, whether they come to shop, donate, or simply say hello.
A new member and volunteer is Ruth Rogow! September was her first Treasure sale and she did a fabulous job organizing the clothes as well as distributing the left over items to area non-profits!
Dorothy Nelson and Linda Pagnella round out the team with energy, a sense of fun, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Whether it’s sorting, organizing, selling, rearranging, or helping a customer, they are always ready to lend a hand.
The most familiar face of the slae is Nikki Garello who heads up the entire event with patience and fun. If you have ever seen Nikki’s office area prior to the event, you know it begins to look like a store in and of itself!
The proceeds from Treasure Sales support the important work of the Friends of MOWMP. Throughout the year, these funds help support special events and programs; like Holiday bags for HDM clients and the Birthday Bash Band, along with other activities that bring joy and support to our community.
So the next time you stop by a MOWMP Treasure Sale, take a moment to thank the wonderful volunteers behind the tables. They are turning other people’s treasures into meaningful support for MOWMP — one sale at a time!
