Daisy Chain Reaction volunteers organizing goods.
This summer, more than 50 volunteers came together at Fore Goods as part of the Daisy Chain Reaction, a community service volunteer drive organized through L.A. Works. From July 20th through August 20, volunteers gave their time to support local causes, with many returning for multiple shifts and contributing to inspire meaningful community change.
Participants who completed verified volunteer hours were also entered for a chance to win general admission tickets to the Daisy Chain Fields festival. But for many of the volunteers who spent time at Fore Goods, the experience became about much more than the opportunity to win tickets.
A Community Connected by Purpose
Volunteers came to Fore Goods for many different reasons. Some were drawn to our mission and wanted to support work that helps women and families across Los Angeles. Others were longtime thrift store shoppers who were excited to spend time behind the scenes and, of course, do a little shopping after their shift.
For some, the experience was especially personal. Volunteers who had shopped at our Fairfax store for years were excited to discover that their neighborhood thrift store was part of the official Daisy Chain Reaction raffle.
No matter what initially brought them through our doors, many volunteers left with a deeper understanding of the impact their time could have.
“Thank you for sharing about all your organization does for the community.” That was a message Allison Davalos, our Volunteer Manager, heard time and time again.
More Than a Thrift Store
At Fore Goods, every volunteer shift is connected to something bigger.
While volunteers may spend their time sorting donations, organizing merchandise, or helping create a welcoming shopping experience, the work they do supports the larger mission of Fore Women. Profits from Fore Goods are reinvested into programs that provide direct support and create opportunities for women throughout Los Angeles.
That includes programs that provide direct cash assistance, help women build financial stability and career pathways, and respond to the needs of communities facing difficult circumstances. Most recently, Fore Women launched Direct Cash for Altadena Fire Recovery, providing selected households affected by the Altadena fire with ongoing direct cash support as they work toward recovery and stability.
When volunteers learn about the connection between the stores and our programs, they often see Fore Goods in a new way.
As one volunteer reflected after learning more about our work, “That makes me want to come back and shop here!”
And that is exactly the Daisy Chain Reaction we hope to create.
Every Hour Creates Impact
A few hours spent volunteering can help keep donations moving, shelves stocked, and stores welcoming shoppers. Those efforts help Fore Goods generate resources that go back into programs supporting women and families.
This is what makes volunteering at Fore Goods more than helping at a thrift store. It is being part of a cycle of community support: donations become affordable goods, purchases generate resources, and those resources help support women as they work toward greater stability, mobility, and prosperity.