My Nonprofit Reviews
Brandy
Review for Matthews Help Center, Matthews, NC, USA
I began my volunteer partnership in 2008 with the Matthews Help Center. In this case, the HELP is an acronym for help ease local poverty. I was invited by a friend who told me she volunteered there and how much she liked it. I guess you could say she recruited me. I am thankful for her persistence because not only is the Matthews Help Center an outstanding organization for the Matthews community but also because the staff treats their volunteers like royalty. Though not federally funded, the Matthews Help Center is supported by generous people who give contributions as well as from the proceeds of the Backporch Treasures Thrift Shop. As a result, many people are assisted with financial needs including but not limited to payment of rent, utility bills, Christmas gifts for the needy and a whole range of other services. Depending upon the need, clients may be eligible for food from their food pantry and/or clothes from the thrift shop all for FREE. The staff is very congenial and lovely to work with. Though I like to sort the clothing as the donations come in, I'm privileged to provide assistance in whatever is asked of me. The Backporch Treasures Thrift Shop has clothing and housewares for the entire family. The clothes sorters get first dibs (yes, we pay for the merchandise) on the donations and the deals are spectacular. The staff honor the volunteers in several ways in the month of April during National Volunteer month. All in all, volunteering at the Matthews Help Center is a win-win success story. Brandy M.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Matthews Help Center, Matthews, NC, USA
Volunteering at the Matthews Help Center on Fridays is my favorite day of the week for that very reason. I look forward to spending my day with like minded women who are congenial and thorough in their duties.
I can't begin to tell what a blessing this organization has been to my life and that of my family. Tracy Doyle and Bonita Summers treat their volunteers like kings and queens in their overall demeanor as well as with events to honor us and discount coupons for shopping at the Backporch Treasures Thrift Store. They also encourage us to give suggestions and feedback at various times.
Kim,, their director, sporadically gives us updated reports concerning the number of clients they serve and how our work as volunteers directly impacts their mission. I consider it an honor to be part of such a kind and compassionate group.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The prices of the clothing are totally reasonable and at times incredible. Twice a year they have what is known as a bag sale. At this sale, people are encouraged to fit as many clothes and shoes into a brown paper bag all for the unheard of price of $5.00.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
ask that the volunteers not buy gifts for each other for the annual Christmas party. Instead, I think we should donate $5.00 each to the Matthews Help Center.
