On National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 17-23, 2022) we wanted to highlight some of our volunteers at the Rustic Market Thrift Store. This group of over 150 volunteers have a heart for Pine Rest and our mission, and their work helps raise money for the Patient Assistance Fund.
Volunteers help run the cashier station, price merchandise, sort donations, fix, clean and display items, and assist customers. They are a loyal and fun group to work with and are the glue that holds the Rustic Market together. Store Manager Carrie VanDenBrink and her team are so appreciative of the time and talents that this group shares. “We could not do the work we do at the Rustic Market Thrift Store without our wonderful team of volunteers!”
The Rustic Market is located at 389 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 616-258-7425 or visit pinerest.org/Rustic-Market.
Meet Claaryce Klassen
Claaryce is a longstanding and dedicated Rustic Market volunteer. She has a long history with Pine Rest, including a 42-year career as a nurse that started when she was 18.
“A lot of the patients are imbedded in my mind and I’ll never forget them,” says Claaryce, who even got married in the Pine Rest chapel in 1955. “I have been volunteering at the Rustic Market for about 10 years and it all goes to help the patients. “It has a special place in my heart.”
You have a special place in our hearts too, Claaryce! Thank you for all you do to support Rustic Market!
Meet the Harness Family: Sue, Lisa and Dave
Sue: “Lisa has been volunteering here for about 8 years, and we have been volunteering together as a family activity since Dave and I retired. It has been good for all of us and a good thing to do together. Rustic Market is convenient to where we live and for a good cause.”
Lisa: “I like the things that I do here and there are a lot of nice people. I like everything about it and it has been good for me.
Dave: “It’s a great giving-back thing for us.”
We are so grateful for all three of you and the difference you help make here, Harness Family! You are all a lot of fun to work with!
Meet Anita Sue Wood
When I heard that the Rustic Market is mostly run by volunteers and that all the proceeds go to the patient assistance fund, I thought it was great. I shop here too, almost every week. I got my shoes here, I got my pants here. Nobody can find what I wear because I get it here! We have a great time and everyone gets along.”
Anita, we are so grateful for your welcoming presence! Thank you for helping make Rustic Market a great place to work, shop and donate!
The Rustic Market is located at 389 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, across from the Pine Rest campus. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 616-258-7425 or visit pinerest.org/Rustic-Market.
