Volunteering at Children's Market

Children’s Market Volunteer Responsibilities:


Before we get to the fun stuff, here's the stuff we have to say and wish we didn't:

No-Shows: Since many of our volunteer shifts occur after early shopping has taken place, we trust those people who have committed to the remaining shifts to follow through on their obligations. If you have to cancel for any reason, please try to find someone to take your place. Call us at (256) 239-6033 if you find out you are unable to work your shift at the last moment. Anyone who fails to contact us will not be allowed to volunteer with us again.

Holding Items: A very important reminder about holding items: We realize it is very hard to resist looking through the racks while you are straightening them, checking for wear, etc. If you do find clothing you would like to purchase, we allow volunteers to reserve up to five items only. Please put them in the kitchen. There will be hold tags and safety pins in the kitchen for your convenience. Use these supplies to identify your items. Please return to the sales floor and continue your shift after you have reserved your five items. Any held items must be paid for by noon on Wednesday if they are held during the pre-sale or at the end of your 3-hour shift if you are working Wednesday through Saturday. Everything left in the kitchen will be returned to the sales floor at noon on Wednesday and at the end of each day of the public sale. If you have children who consign, you cannot use their numbers to hold additional items. This volunteer benefit is not something most sales allow, but we have had very few problems with it in the past until last year.

If shopping during volunteer shifts becomes an issue, we will not be able to continue offering this great benefit. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Here are some reminders about helping:

1. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your shift is scheduled to begin. This gives you time to sign in and receive any necessary training or instruction, as well as secure personal items. Sign in and out each time you work. The notebook is in our check-out area. It will have your assigned task and work area listed for each specific shift. This area is also a secure area where you can leave your purse, coat, etc.

2. We have navy blue Children’s Market aprons for you to wear to protect your clothing. Return it at the end of your shift.

3. Be kind and courteous to shoppers and other volunteers. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time at the Children’s Market!

4. Interact with the shoppers. Ask them if they have any questions. Do they need another basket? Do they have items they want put in the holding area? Are they looking for something specific? Etc. (Not only are you being helpful, but also you are also discouraging shoplifting!)

5. A positive attitude is necessary for everyone! Do NOT make negative comments about an item’s style, price, etc., as you are working. Please do NOT speak negatively about other consignment sales, stores, or resale shops! We want everyone to have a great experience with our sale. Keeping everything positive really helps and sets a good example for others.

6. Do NOT “promote” your own items in the sale by recommending them to shoppers. We have had to ban a volunteer for this action in the past. It will not be tolerated.

7. If you have an assigned task, but have some down-time, please help tidy the sale by straightening items, putting items in the correct sections, fixing items on hangers, looking for missing tags, etc. Don’t forget to talk to the shoppers!

8. Please help yourself to snacks, drinks, and food. Use your best judgment regarding when to have a quick break. It is very helpful to have volunteers take shifts eating (during meals).

9. Smile and have fun!

10. The good chocolate is hidden to keep our kids out of it when they're at the sale. If we forget to tell you where it is, just ask!

Thank you so much for volunteering! You are appreciated!

Below is a list of the most common jobs you might be asked to do during your shift. You will receive complete and detailed instructions concerning your job when you arrive. Also, look for an email reminder before the sale. It will outline all of your duties in detail.

1. Set-up-- setting up racks and tables; completing details for sales floor layout

2. Screen-- screening clothing and items for the floor, looking for recall items

3. Sort—assist consignors with hanging clothes/placing items out on the floor at drop-off; gathering clothing and items at the end of the sale

4. Secure & Straighten-- monitoring/patrolling the floor to discourage shoplifting, keeping the floor organized and neat

5. Sell-- cutting tags, bagging items, assisting consignors with transporting their items

We have so much fun, even in the midst of the insanity that can happen. If you haven't had a chance to volunteer with us, sign up for a shift and try it out. You just might find out it'st he perfect fit.