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Northern California Foothills Chapter
Dear Barb and Gina,
Wow, what an experience! Our chapter met for the first time in August, but wanted very much to participate in the WWSSD. We began planning immediatly. We decided to devote ourselves to transforming the interior of the much used and somewhat tattered local food closet. The Auburn Food Closet operates out of what was once a small house providing nutritious food to an average of 1300 people in need each month. They also provide children's books to feed young minds and birthday bags so that every child will receive a special gift during their birth month. They are supported by community churches, local grocery stores and other companies, as well as private donations. The agency is run by volunteers who have many tasks ranging from stocking and bagging groceries, to office duties, to building maintanance.
The rooms were cold and uninviting. Some areas were stark while other areas were cluttered and it had an overall dated, unfinished look. We added color and warmth in each room and rearanged the furniture to make it more functional and appealing as well as comfortable for those who wait in the main room to receive their food as well as for those who commit much of thier day serving them.
Our chapter dove into this project with such dedication and fervor that we were able to accomplish everything from conception to completion in less than 6 weeks! We procured donations for big ticket items like fabric (thank you, Jill Nelson), paint (thank you Gary Gamble), window blinds (thank you Kelly Cooper), and accent tables (thank you again Gary). Our ASPs also donated a bookcase, artwork, greenery, baskets, and other decor from their own inventory. Some made purchases for items like file holders, light fixtures, a shower curtain, and other items that added a special touch. We had great food, including a wonderful breakfast spread, thanks to Stephanie Bell. Her husband Joe was one of several non ASPs who volunteered thier time. Nate and Cameron Beste are Jr ASPs who assisted. Other non ASPs included Greg Cooper, Jean Beste, Bob Beste, and Kevin Bosold. We met Kevin while visiting his furniture store to request a donation. He donated not only some furniture, but also his painting services! We are grateful for the help of these volunteers. Some came on Friday to do prep work with Gary Gamble and Stephanie Bell. Some came back on Sunday for final touch ups, like Stephanie and Joe Bell. They painted, cleaned, changed out fixtures, moved furniture, and helped us complete our project in a timely manner.
That morning we proudly donned our matching t-shirts, hung the IAHSP banner, and opened our tool boxes. It was a joy to see the flow of energy and creativity take over. Time flew by as we transformed the building room by room. Something else happened too. Working side by side brought us together in a way a standard meeting could not. There was also a transformation within us as room by room we changed from a group of area ASPs who barely knew each other into a team. We really feel like a chapter now!
The volunteers were awestruck when they arrived Monday morning to thier new surroundings. I've spoken with several of them and their faces light up as they share their appreciation with great enthusiasm. One item that kept coming up was the public bathroom transformation. It was so cluttered that even the bathtub was full! They piled the folding chairs used for board meetings into it. In addition to cleaning, decluttering, and painting, the chairs were moved into the closet behind the bathroom door. "There is a closet behind the bathroom door?" they would ask. Most of the volunteers didn't even know that closet was there! Sandy Bassett, President of the Auburn Food Closet, sent us a thank you letter which expressed that we went beyond their expectations. "I was impressed by how devoted everyone was to accomplishing the task of making the food closet look better. As a result, it is much more inviting and friendly."
If your chapter didn't have the opportunity to serve your community in this year's WWSSD, I have to say that you missed out. Start planning now and be sure to participate next year!
Michelle Beste, ASP, IAHSP
Accredited Staging Professional
President, Sierra Foothills IAHSP Chapter
The Team
Office Before
Office After
Fireplace Before
Fireplace After
Bathroom Before
Bathroom After
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