How To Attract Volunteers to Your Thrift Store: 8 Steps

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Running a thrift store is about so much more than organizing racks of clothing and shelves of home goods.

At its heart, it’s about community. And let’s face it — most thrift stores wouldn’t survive without volunteers. They’re the ones sorting donations, tagging items, setting up displays, and welcoming shoppers with a smile.

But how do you find and keep those generous people who give their time? It’s not always as simple as hanging a “Help Wanted” sign in the window.

To bring more volunteers on board, you need to create an environment where people genuinely want to pitch in. So, if you’re wondering how to attract volunteers to your thrift store, here are eight easy steps to build a reliable, enthusiastic team of helpers.

Let’s dive in.

8 Easy Steps To Find and Attract Thrift Store Volunteers

1. Share Your Mission Loud and Clear

People sign up because they believe in your cause. For example, if your shop supports an animal shelter, funds local programs, or helps families in need, make sure that message is everywhere.

Put it on your website, in your social posts, and on your donation bins.

Tell real stories about the lives your store impacts. When people see the difference you’re making, they’re more likely to think, “I want to be part of that.”

You should also have a short, heartfelt explanation ready when someone asks what your store supports. You never know — a clear, personal answer could spark a volunteering conversation right then and there.

2. Post Opportunities on Volunteer Sites

Don’t wait for helpers to find you — go where they’re already looking. Local volunteer boards and sites like Idealist are full of people eager to give their time.

The key is to make your listing specific. Instead of just saying something generic like, “Need volunteers at thrift store,” break it down:

Donation sorter (three to four hours per week)
Cashier assistant (shifts available on weekends)
Store organizer/merchandiser (flexible schedule)

This helps people see how they could realistically fit into your store’s needs.

3. Ask Your Customers Directly

Your shoppers already like what you’re doing — that’s why they shop with you. They’re also some of the best potential volunteers you’ll find.

Train your staff to ask casually at checkout:

“Hey, have you ever thought about volunteering with us?”
“We’re looking for people to help sort donations — want me to send you info?”

Even better, set up a sign-up sheet near the register or run a text campaign for customers who opt in. A friendly SMS that says, “Thanks for shopping with us! Want to volunteer? Reply YES for details,” can work like a charm.

4. Show Up at Community Volunteer Fairs

Most towns and cities host some kind of volunteer expo or nonprofit fair during the year. These events are like job fairs, but for people who want to give their time.

Having a booth there puts you in front of motivated community members who are actively looking to help out.

Bring photos of your store, a clear description of roles, and maybe a small freebie (like a coupon for a store discount). The personal connections you make at these events can be worth far more than an online ad.

5. Offer Perks and Public Recognition

When you’re learning how to attract volunteers to your thrift store, prioritizing perks is something that should be top of mind.

Volunteers aren’t looking to get rich, but a little appreciation goes a long way. Some easy perks you can offer include:

Volunteer discounts: Draw bargain hunters in with a 20–30% discount.
Volunteer appreciation days: Host a pizza night or coffee morning once a month.
Shoutouts: Feature your volunteers on social media or a “wall of fame” inside the store.
Small gifts: Send thrifted treasures, thank-you cards, or gift cards to local businesses.

Recognized volunteers are happy volunteers, and happy volunteers stick around.

6. Tap Into Schools, Colleges, and Youth Groups

Many students need volunteer hours for school, scholarships, or community service clubs. Thrift stores are a perfect match because the work is flexible, easy to learn, and fun.

Reach out to:

High school guidance counselors
College service-learning offices
Youth groups at local churches

You’ll get help and introduce young people to your mission early on. Who knows — some of them might stay involved for years.

7. Welcome Volunteer Groups

Sometimes people want to volunteer together — think scout troops, church groups, corporate teams, and friend circles. Offering group volunteer days makes the experience more social and less intimidating for newcomers.

Plus, a group can accomplish in a single afternoon what might take individuals a week or more.

Sorting a mountain of donations, setting up a seasonal display, deep-cleaning a backroom — it all gets a lot easier when a dozen people tackle it together.

8. Keep the Barriers Low

One of the biggest mistakes thrift stores make is overcomplicating the process of getting started. If someone has to fill out a 10-page application, attend multiple orientation sessions, and commit to a rigid schedule right away, they might lose interest.

Instead:

Make sign-up easy (one-page application, quick online form, or QR code).
Let people try a short “volunteer for a day” shift before committing.
Be flexible with schedules, especially for parents, retirees, and students.

The easier it is to get started, the more likely people are to say yes.

How To Keep Volunteers in Your Thrift Store

Learning how to attract volunteers to your thrift store is one thing — keeping them is another.

People stick around when they feel valued, connected, and part of something meaningful. Make sure to:

Say thank you often (and mean it).
Check in regularly to see how they’re feeling about their role.
Match their tasks to their interests whenever possible.
Keep reminding them of the bigger mission they’re supporting.

The goal is to make volunteering at your store helpful and rewarding.

Use ThriftCart To Support Your Volunteers

The right point of sale (POS) system can turn “I’m just helping for a day” into “I can’t wait to come back next week.”

ThriftCart is built specifically for thrift stores, which means it’s easier for volunteers to pick it up quickly.

Here’s why volunteers love it (and managers do, too):

Simple, thrift-specific checkout: Custom buttons and categories make ringing up common items easy, even for first-timers.
Color-tag discounts in a tap: Clear markdowns help volunteers move aging inventory without confusion.
Donation scheduling that saves time: Optimize pickup routes, set dropoff times, and keep the backroom flowing so volunteer hours go further.
Built-in barcoding and labels: Price, print, and track unique items quickly at sorting stations.
Fast onboarding and self-reliance: Easily train volunteers in minutes.
Reporting that guides your team: Spot bestsellers, slow movers, and donation trends so you can direct volunteers where they’ll have the most impact.

When the tech is simple, volunteers stay involved. If you want a smoother front counter, calmer backroom, and happier helpers, ThriftCart gives you the tools to make it happen.

Check out our Build and Price tool today to find a plan that works perfectly for your thrift store.

How To Attract Volunteers to Your Thrift Store: 8 Steps