Sandra Torre pitches in on the board and at the thrift shop for New Life Center

First Friday at Hope’s Closet ran smoothly, thanks to LAVIDGE IMPACT Volunteers

Proceeds to benefit New Life Center for those experiencing domestic or sexual violence

PHOENIX (August 23, 2024) – At 9:30 a.m. customers eagerly lined up to shop the 50% off First Friday Sale at Hope’s Closet in Goodyear. Luckily, LAVIDGE IMPACT volunteers were available to help ensure the sale ran smoothly.

Nine LAVIDGE employee-owners met before the store opened to gather their instructions on how to help thrift store regulars and manage the crowd once the store opened at 10 a.m.

It’s clear the store plays a significant role in the neighborhood.

Many shoppers, including a mother-daughter duo who said they were regulars at the shop, were there to pick up items for the 2024-2025 school year. Others said they were seeking good clothing at a smart price. One woman beamed as she recounted how she often gets compliments on her wardrobe, which she mainly sources from the West Valley store at 415 North Litchfield Road—just south of Interstate 10.

Hope’s Closet’s purpose, however, is far more significant than selling quality goods at reasonable prices and being part of the solution to recycle items that might otherwise wind up in a landfill.

That’s because proceeds from the store support New Life Center, a refuge from domestic and sexual violence. The organization offers assistance to everyone impacted by violence, from survivors to their family members. Trauma-informed programs are available for those affected by any sort of sexual violence or human trafficking.

It's a big need and the store has a huge role in providing much needed funding.

Fortunately, on the day LAVIDGE pitched in, the stream of incoming customers remained strong throughout the morning. Aisles bustled with activity until at least 12:30 p.m., winding down a tad as the morning volunteer shift came to an end.

Until then, employees representing a wide cross section of the Phoenix-based ad agency pitched in to keep things clean and orderly.

LAVIDGE volunteers picked up fallen items, rehung them as needed, returned empty hangers, greeted customers, accepted donations, and restocked items.

Sandra Torre, President and CFO of LAVIDGE, was one of two volunteers who staffed the cash register and bagged purchases. She is also a member of the board of directors for the New Life Center and oversees LAVIDGE IMPACT.

“New Life Center holds a special place in my heart, both personally and professionally,” Torre said. “The center's mission to provide a lifeline to those affected by domestic and sexual violence resonates deeply with our values. 

“By supporting Hope’s Closet, we’re not just helping to fund these crucial services —we’re also strengthening the fabric of our community and making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Through IMPACT, the agency has provided employees with regular opportunities to volunteer since 2019, earning numerous accolades for the ad, public relations, digital and marketing agency founded in 1982.

Each employee may volunteer for up to 16 hours each year for the causes they support most, making it a popular workplace perk.

Receiving the agency’s support is also a hit among those on the receiving end of community service.

“We had so much fun with you, and hope you enjoyed your time with us as well!” New Life Center Community Engagement Manager, Fara Walling, wrote in an email to participants the following week. “We can't adequately express how much your help during a very busy sales day at Hope's Closet meant to us, but hopefully our gratitude and an invite to come back anytime will suffice!”

For more information about New Life Center and Hope’s Closet visit newlifectr.org or call 623-932-4404.

 

Know of a deserving organization in need of volunteers? Contact Sandra Torre and we'll take a look to see if it's a good fit.