It’s time to show some love to our amazing team of volunteers in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week! Today, we are featuring Lori Gaffney. Lori came to us while we were in the middle of our biggest order in Rethreaded history. Lori selflessly gives of her time and has been a big help to Rethreaded! Not to mention, she makes THE BEST brownies! Her most recent project has been helping us make our Cotton T-shirt Masks (along with our veteran volunteers, Anne and Marilyn)!
Keep reading to learn more about this incredible lady:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with Rethreaded?
A: “My husband and I moved to Florida five years ago from New Jersey. We thoroughly enjoy the sunshine, being retired and near a lot of my family. We have four daughters and six grandchildren. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy sewing, playing tennis, walking and reading.
I became aware of Rethreaded shortly after moving here but when a friend of mine, Gloria Love, who works at Rethreaded, gave a plug for Rethreaded’s pop-up shop at our church. I got that little tug in my heart and thought that maybe there was a way I could get involved. It was shortly after that when a regular volunteer who sews needed to go take care of her mom that an opportunity opened up for me.”
Q: What has been your favorite project to work on?
A: “My favorite project was sewing leather journals. The story of how Rethreaded became the recipient of used leather…and to see the detailed process of creating these beautiful journals is inspirational.”
Q: What made you want to start volunteering?
A: “My work life was complete so it was time to give back. Rethreaded is changing lives. I see little miracles every day that I’m there. It’s a privilege to spend time with women who have so much courage.”
Q: What has volunteering at Rethreaded taught you?
A: “God is present. I’m going to borrow from our Pastor’s virtual message last Sunday. He said the definition of resurrection is that the worst thing is never the last thing. These women lived through the worst. They are far from being done and they are working together, with God’s help, to become their best. When I grow up, I wanna be just like them!”
Thank you, Lori, for being a part of the Rethreaded Family! We are lucky to have you.
Check out our other volunteer interviews with Anne and Marilyn!