I had a different experience today at my volunteer stint. My regular " job" is sorting. I take the donated clothes, examine them very critically and decide if they are
suitable for our clientele . I put a small colored bead on a hanger that designates the size and then I rack the clothes,on color coordinated racks. The only other volunteers today were two ladies working on writing a grant. It is usual for appointments to
be made and for a "dresser" to come ,specifically to help the client with their wardrobe. If we have no appointments, the volunteer usually doesn't come in. I come in every Thursday for sorting. We had a surprise client who just walked in. Since I was the
only one really available, I was thrown into the role of " dresser". I have observed a dresser working, but I have not ever wanted to be one. My client was literally carrying her life in two plastic bags.
She was so appreciative of the non judgmental and respectful way that we treated, that she beamed. I found a rolling suitcase that was a donation and she put her plastic bags in that. Then she " shopped ".I think that we gave her some dignity and
a better solution for protecting whatever was in those two plastic bags. When she left, I had a reaction that I wasn't expecting. I don't know her story. I don't know why she is homeless. But she made me cry. I was sad for her. This is probably why I am not
a dresser. Sorting clothes is unemotional . I think I need to stick with that.