Faces of SCHIP

Colleen, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today.

You were one of the founding members of SCHIP in 2003. How did the idea of starting SCHIP come about? And what was its purpose or plan initially?

One day in 2002, I had lunch with Mary Abele from All Souls Interfaith Gathering. We discussed the upcoming rummage sale that the Shelburne United Methodist Church organized. We mentioned the leftovers that weren’t sold and how it would be great to have a resale store where we could continue selling these donated goods instead of throwing away resources.

We had no experience with such a venture, so we identified people in the community with the skills we needed—established retail shop owners, real estate agents in the area, an attorney who could provide legal advice, and many others—to help us get a resale shop up and running. Most folks we reached out to generously donated their time and expertise.

We also got help from the different churches in the surrounding towns, particularly the Methodist Church in Shelburne and the United Church of Hinesburg (David Murphy and Bill Neil).

Further, we visited many established and successful resale shops in the area, which helped us understand how these stores operate. We used the Neat Repeats in Middlebury as our model. They successfully raised significant funds through resale, which they donated to the community. Their model served us well and made the shop a success.

Soon after we opened the door of our resale shop, we accumulated so much clothing that we had to rent an additional space to store, sort, price, and redistribute the goods.

Leasing the building where SCHIP is located today was also an exciting story. It was initially owned by the Noonan family, who sold it to the town of Shelburne. I was working on the Affordable Housing Committee then (one of my roles as Shelburne Town Clerk), and we were already connected with Champlain Housing Trust, which leased this building. They planned to build two studio apartments on the second floor, so we approached them with a proposal to run a resale shop on the first floor of the building. As we needed funds to start the shop, I successfully identified the right folks who would support this mission and donate their time and energy.

The mission was to give grants to organizations that would enrich our community in the following ways: recycling gently used clothing, building community between participating towns through volunteers working together and through shared goals of area agencies receiving funding, and providing an additional source of money going back into the community without having to ask the taxpayers for funds. In addition to our vision, we knew we would need seed money for its beginning. We sent out requests to several residents in the community whom we thought would be interested in donating to our mission. We received over $25,000 in about two weeks. We were on our way to what would become a great venture. 

Also, what challenges did you face when SCHIP began?

The challenges were financial and operational—we didn’t know much about running a business or even leasing a building. We also needed startup funds. We didn’t have a hard time finding volunteers. We were lucky in that regard. The first couple of years were rocky with management from the point of view of running a business. As I already mentioned, people in the community rallied to support this project financially and by providing their time and knowledge.

Among the challenges were processing all the clothing donations, sorting them, pricing them, and displaying them. Remember, at the beginning, we didn’t have people experienced in retail working or managing the store, so it was all a very steep learning curve for all of us.

SCHIP has existed for over two decades and has significantly impacted the community. Was this what was intended when it was started?

As an interfaith church community, we wanted to impact not only our congregation but also the communities of other churches. That’s why it was so important that leaders of the different churches participated in our mission. If we started this on the premise that only the churches would get the money, what good would that do for the rest of the community? The church communities already had a well-run communication network, so their established contacts and relationships were necessary for running SCHIP.

SCHIP went through many ups and downs regarding management and the flow between the warehouse and the shop. We even thought we wouldn’t make it at some point, yet we are running as strong as ever.

And how do you feel about where SCHIP is at today?

Incredibly, we have made it past 20 years of operations. It has way surpassed how I imagined it to be. SCHIP has changed as the community changes. Back then, we needed food and clothing and met emergency requests. But it has changed now to a much more upscale operation. It moved with the way the town moved. We are receiving much more upscale donations, and the interest in our assortment is growing. We are making more money because we are selling higher-priced articles. So, I reflect on our capability of raising more funds and giving out more grants, but at the same time, the price range is somewhat higher than it used to be, making it maybe less affordable than it used to be.

Can you share what your roles with SCHIP have been over the years? Also, I know you are currently a treasurer. What are some of the responsibilities this role includes?

Yes, I am currently a treasurer, which works for me. I make sure everything is smooth from the financial standpoint. I also run and submit reports to different government organizations and regulatory bodies. I used to work in the warehouse, and in the past, I oversaw payroll and accounts payable.

Also, I know you have been Shelburne's Town Clerk for many years. Were there particular skills you feel helped you start and run SCHIP at its beginnings and throughout the years?

I knew many people who were dedicated to Shelburne and contributed to worthy causes. I had relationships with many of those people beyond my role as town clerk, so the trust that was present was essential to a helpful network and to contributing to SCHIP.

What do you think makes SCHIP the unique organization it is?

I appreciate that when I am at the store, when customers come in, the employees explain that this isn’t only a store; it has a higher purpose and mission. We must carry out this responsibility and spread the word actively. Effectively, the customers fund the community. It is invaluable to see folks working in the store who genuinely care.

So, if I had to sum it up, what makes SCHIP a success is the goal of improving the lives of others and positively impacting our community; it was and remains very important to me.

Do you have a message for others considering starting an organization that supports members of their respective communities? What advice would you give them on how to go about it?

There will be challenges, but basically, have a plan, interact with each other, demonstrate that the community's needs are met, and work together.

When I say demonstrate a need when starting an organization like SCHIP, I mean to be transparent and show where the raised funds go. Also, SCHIP is mainly run by volunteers, so anyone who wants to start an organization like SCHIP needs to be ready to attract the right volunteers, motivate them, and instill that passion in contributing to a worthy cause such as SCHIP’s mission.

For example, the resale shop in Middlebury is supported by volunteers from Middlebury College. So, the students get valuable insight into how a business is run and how they can help others and make a difference. People need to have a purpose, and what better purpose in life than helping others have better lives?

Also, I want to add that what was hugely important for us when starting SCHIP was having existing contacts with the community ‘movers and shakers’ or knowing someone who knows the right person. It was all about knowing the right people willing to join our mission and help with something beyond themselves. So again, if I can demonstrate how people’s contributions can make a difference in the lives of others, people come on board. People generally want to do good and be helpful.

SCHIP is primarily based on volunteers and their contribution to its mission. What would you say to anyone looking to contribute meaningfully and volunteer their time?

I would recommend just reaching out and expressing an interest in volunteering. The process of joining SCHIP as a volunteer is straightforward. The best way to do this is to visit our website to read more about the volunteer process and follow the instructions there.

What final reflections would you share with our readers and visitors to our website?

I think it is essential for people to remember, especially today, that if we have a common goal and work together, we can truly move mountains. We all have some skill to contribute to the higher good beyond ourselves.

Also, reflecting here on what we do at SCHIP – essentially, we contribute to the ongoing reuse, repurposing, and recycling of used goods. And that makes me smile because I grew up here in Vermont, and reusing was our way of life. We have never thrown things away because they didn't fit or we didn’t use or need them anymore. Instead, we would look within our family or neighbors to see if anyone could use the item. So, essentially, we recycled way before recycling was a thing. As a society, we might be returning to that way of living because we already understand that resources are precious and not endless. We forget these ways; hopefully, our society will return to that. Looking back at SCHIP and its work, I feel immense pride that we support the community and the planet.

And what are your wishes or visions for SCHIP going forward?

I hope that in another twenty years, SCHIP will still be here and contribute positively to the community.

How do you feel looking back? I am asking how it feels knowing that you were there at the beginning of an organization that has done and continues to do much good.

It is a beautiful feeling.

Talking to you, it is very apparent how much this community means to you and how much you are embedded in the good of this community. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the beginnings of SCHIP and your contributions throughout the years. You have and are creating a remarkable legacy.

Interviewed by M. Sussman

Doug, your insights into SCHIP's history and beginnings are invaluable. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

Could you share the inspiring story of the women who started SCHIP with our followers? I know one of them was your late wife, Betsy. What led her to start SCHIP, and what was her vision for the organization?

Originally, members of individual churches within the towns of Shelburne, Charlotte, and Hinesburg would raise funds that they could use to provide food, fuel, and general needs within their local communities.  Those efforts, while well meaning, could only go so far.  After a series of clothing swaps, which had massive turnout, the idea of creating a joint effort was born.  Eventually it was decided to look for a permanent location where SCHIP (Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Project, Inc.) could open a resale shop to help sell those donated goods. People began by donating items such as gently used clothing and household goods in this effort .  Profits from those sales would be used to provide monetary support to the parishioners in need at those congregations as well as non-profit organizations directly supporting community activities and services.

What role have you played over the years in running SCHIP? And what were some of the challenges you experienced?

Betsy and I joined the SCHIP board in 2004 as representatives of St. Jude parish in Hinesburg. Betsy, who owned the Shelburne Country Store at the time, remained on the Board as the store was built (2005) and for several years thereafter. I had left the Board to run my businesses but remained the on-call tech and software geek.

When I helped out at SCHIP here and there, I noticed many challenges. For people to understand—except for the manager, the store was run by volunteers, so operations-wise, there was much room for improvement, be it around communication, processing of the donated goods, pricing, or even successful use of the store space.

I learned the full scope of the struggle in 2020 when I was invited by Mary Candon (then a co-chair of the board) to rejoin the board as a Finance Chair with a sole task – to turn things around – as SCHIP was on the brink of failure. Things were bad. So, my role was to resurrect SCHIP and its capacity to make a profit, to fund grants, and to find the right champions for the job. Those champions came from within the board (Mary Candon, Colleen Haag, and Ali Gately) and from volunteers already at SCHIP (Jessica Meller). It took a year to create a solid business plan and to turn things around to the successful operation that SCHIP is today. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the skilled staff and the talented volunteers putting in a lot of time and energy to keep things running smoothly. No one should ever underestimate the power of a team.

For example, Jessica Meller came with vast experience in the fashion industry. As the store's overall space was poorly utilized, she completely overhauled and reconfigured how the store flowed.  We created specific departments in each room (women’s clothing, men's clothing, household items, etc.). We added new lighting and shelves in the store and redid how we sorted and priced goods. We learned that about twenty percent of the donated goods are high-quality brands, often unused items that didn’t make it into the store for whatever reason. It took someone like Jessica to recognize the resale value of many of these pieces. We also completely overhauled the warehouse and streamlined the flow between receiving the donated goods and displaying the items in the store. As a result, we are keeping the racks and shelves in the store fully stocked, and our profits have increased every month since.

Also, when I rejoined in 2021, the organization and the board were set in their ways and had difficulty with change.  A modern and fresh approach to the changing needs of our customers was needed. We revamped how we recruited new board members and started accepting members at large. The new members brought in new energy, experience, and a wave of enthusiasm, serving us well today.

Since we actively rebuilt SCHIP in 2021, it has seen spectacular growth. Clothing donations are up, and sales have more than doubled. Cash reserves are significant and up 270%. There is no debt. Best of all, in this fiscal year, SCHIP will fund over $100,000 in grants to the community.

What message would you have for those who donated gently used clothing, jewelry, and household items?

First, we appreciate every single donation. I want everyone looking to donate gently used goods to know that all proceeds are returned as grants to the organizations within our community. In other words, we help transform donated goods into vehicles of change to improve community members’ lives. Further, we contribute to avoiding goods having to end up in a landfill. An overall trend has steadily increased in the last several years – resale and reuse. And not only do we have the means to do that, but we also add the element of positive change in the community. So again, a big thank you goes to everyone donating their gently used clothing, home goods, and jewelry – it has a real impact.

What is the most inspiring part of working and volunteering for SCHIP? How can others support SCHIP? What is your message to potential volunteers?

As I said, donating gently used goods is meaningful to us and others. Folks can also contact us to inquire about volunteering in the store and warehouse. Further, our board continues to expand and seeks talented people with experience who can contribute to our work.

You have witnessed the organization's evolution over the last two decades. What are your final thoughts on SCHIP and its path into the future? What do you see or wish for SCHIP in the future?

Well, my days with SCHIP are close to being done. I can continue helping with the financial side.

In the future, SCHIP will likely focus more on the high-end stuff we are receiving, on marketing it, and maybe even on creating an online resale presence and sale of high-end and vintage goods.

Also, going into the future, we need to start looking at where we want to go from here. We now give away nearly a hundred thousand dollars annually in grants to eligible organizations. We perhaps need to start looking at securing a location to combine the store and the warehouse in one location—ideally still in Shelburne.

We have a new, experienced, motivated, and enthusiastic store & warehouse manager, and things are looking very bright for SCHIP and the difference we can make in this community.

To keep that going, we also need committed volunteers who can put in the time to continue expanding what we offer – from the volunteer program to other programs that SCHIP can participate in. There currently are some volunteers who are motivated and interested in stepping up to the plate and continuing to expand what we offer…we are looking at extending the open hours further, maybe adding another store location, and also continue developing the programs we currently participate in.

Further, as the majority of employers, we explore how we attract and retain the right employees in today’s challenging and unstable employment market.

To sum up, I can see SCHIP funding annual grants of well over a hundred thousand dollars, which fills me with immense pride. I see what a difference a community can make in the lives of others. SCHIP is an intermediary between folks donating gently used clothing, household goods, and jewelry and the organizations within this community that provide services to its residents.

Interviewed by M. Sussman

Jessica, thank you for taking the time to answer a couple of questions about your role at SCHIP over the years, your successes at SCHIP, your vision for further development of our non-profit store, your past experiences that are contributing to your successful operations management and your general reflections on the current trend and strengthening of resale culture.

Let’s start at the beginning: 2018, you recently relocated to the Shelburne area – why SCHIP?

When you joined SCHIP, what was your plan or perhaps a vision for your future contribution?

When we moved to Vermont, my last expectation was to get involved in resale clothing! But I was having so much fun shopping at the various charitable resale shops that I began volunteering to get more involved. I was drawn to SCHIP because I loved SCHIP’s mission and felt there was much I could do to update the shop and make it more successful. The untapped potential of SCHIP was fascinating to me.

I started as a volunteer focused on displays but soon joined the board as Operations Chair. I had a broad vision to reallocate the use of space in the shop, change the flow, renovate and re-design, bring in more natural light, and streamline our distribution and merchandising of donations/inventory.

Moving forward, I hope to remain a valuable asset to SCHIP, working closely with Paula (our fabulous manager) and our board, creating displays, and building our online presence. SCHIP is constantly evolving as new board members join and the retail climate changes, so hopefully, I’ll find joy and purpose with SCHIP for many years to come! 

What past experiences helped you the most in your evolving role at SCHIP?

SCHIP is like a perfect storm for me - I love clothes and first studied fashion design at Parsons. My work experience in NYC involved designing residential construction to make the most of small spaces, and at that job, I enjoyed supervising staff for the sales offices.

So, at SCHIP, the opportunity to re-think the space and maximize the use of our precious 800 square feet was a fantastic puzzle. Designing the selling floor and displays was tons of fun and a creative challenge. A standout is when we converted the historic vestibule that was being used for shoe storage into a dressing room - once we pulled out the shoes, we uncovered an antique radiator and stained-glass door! We painted the floor blue and put in a large, gilded mirror. It’s lovely. I also painted over the old vinyl floor in the entry a la Jackson Pollock and built a new check-out desk with my husband! It was very hands-on, one big and joyful project bringing the light and new era into the shop. 

Drawing on skills for hiring and mentoring our incredible staff team has also been highly rewarding for me. I can’t say enough to praise all of them; it’s become like a family. 

And the clothes…I bring a lot of knowledge about brands and construction. I notice details, so I suppose my shopping habits have been beneficial as well…

You have been involved in many aspects of SCHIP’s operation and have implemented many changes and improvements over the years. What achievements are you proudest of? 

And what were some of the most memorable or unique pieces you can remember donated?

What is your vision for SCHIP going forward?

I’m most proud of the change in the overall shopping and employee experience at SCHIP. For the Team of staff, we think of it as our grown-up Barbie dream house! Dressing the mannequins, fixing up the displays, and interacting with customers. I think the staff is happy, and consequently, the customers are pleased with the shop's physical brightness and welcomeness.

I’m also proud that we can offer the community many employment and volunteer opportunities. Our utmost priority is making sure staff and volunteers feel needed and appreciated. 

Of course, I am thrilled that we have been able to increase grant funding so dramatically. I am proud of every grant awarded to organizations that serve our community.

Oh, there are so many unique pieces…but my favorite piece we sold was a Helen Bond-Carruthers cornflower blue hand-appliqued cashmere sweater from the 1950s. When I saw it and its gorgeous label, I knew it was special. It turned out that Helen Bond-Carruthers had a remarkable history. Living in Versailles, Kentucky, in the 1950s, she purchased cashmere sweaters from Bergdorf Goodman in NYC and added a silk lining, cut them, and added buttons and appliques. Her celebrity clients included Elizabeth Taylor. Now, her sweaters are highly sought-after collectibles; we sold them well.

It’s exciting when a piece of clothing triggers an exploration of history and, in a few cases, unearths achievements of entrepreneurial women we can highlight - Helen Bond-Carruthers' career was ahead of her time and inspiring! Here is our Instagram post if anyone wants to see it: 1950 Cashmere Sweater, Helen Bond-Carruthers

The resale and reuse culture has changed significantly over the last decade. More and more people understand that reusing and repurposing is the answer to growing waste, accumulating goods, and avoiding things ending up in landfills. Do you shop at SCHIP? And what would be your message for folks who have never stopped by SCHIP and might be hesitant to consider buying gently used clothing, home goods, and jewelry? (it isn’t just about repurposing and getting great bargains, but also about rare and often unique finds!)

Finally, as a volunteer, what does it mean to you to give your time and energy to SCHIP and its cause? What message would you have for folks seeking a volunteer opportunity in our beautiful Shelburne Village?

I love shopping at SCHIP and everything about resale shopping. Working at SCHIP has been an educational experience, as I have seen the vast amount of clothing we process. Indeed, you can find anything you need at our shop if you are patient. We say it’s a Win-Win-Win because the customer finds something extraordinary, the environment recycles one more garment, and the proceeds go back into the community. And like you said, we are keeping so much out of the landfills - it’s all repurposed into the community. It’s beautiful, really.

 LOL, I would say anyone who is hesitant should see my closet! I jest, but really, I have found such interesting, practical, and luxurious pieces. It’s a treasure hunt, so you may not find what you planned on…but you might find something unexpected that you love for yourself or to give away, too! You just never know what you will find if you keep an open mind.

 Also, at SCHIP, we do our best to present only clean, gently used, or new items. Our staff and volunteers work hard to screen what comes to the shop so that customers can shop confidently.

 For me, it’s been a very satisfying journey with SCHIP. Even with the renovations completed, something can constantly be improved, and new directions can be considered. I would encourage anyone looking to connect within the community to visit the shop and see if it resonates for them. If not SCHIP itself, maybe you can learn about the organizations we donate to and find your place there! Volunteers must follow their passion; sometimes, it’s trial and error before finding the right fit. But when it’s the right fit, it is a blessing.

Scarlett, thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

You have been a long-time volunteer at SCHIP. When did you join SCHIP, and what made you decide to volunteer?

I have volunteered at SCHIP for about 20 years, starting in 2005. I love resale shops, so I was naturally drawn to SCHIP. Then, I became interested in getting involved when I learned that SCHIP gave all its profits through grants to three local communities: Shelburne, Charlotte, and Hinesburg.

I approached Janet Morrison, the manager then, and told her I wanted to volunteer.  I had years of training and experience with silver and all types of jewelry, and she said that expertise would be very welcome. Plus, I love clothes and fashion, so it seemed like a perfect fit.

  And what was your role over the years at SCHIP? Can you describe your typical day? What resources did you bring that are helping you in your role in appraising the pieces? What resources do you utilize (and have developed) to research particular donated pieces?

My role has been evaluating, cleaning, prepping, and pricing donated jewelry and silver pieces. Besides jewelry and silver, I manage housewares and the high-end designer purses we are fortunate to receive.

I have continued my education on curating jewelry in New York. I annually attend The Antique Jewelry and Watch Seminar called 'Jewelry Camp' by dealers, experts, and collectors.

On my typical day in the warehouse, I review the jewelry, home goods, and unique brand donations as they come in. I clean, polish, repair, and price items to go to the shop.  

 Coming to SCHIP is a great treasure hunt; you never know what you will find. It could be a Coach bag, a Gucci scarf, a Brooks Brothers silk tie, a real fur coat, or an exquisite bespoke Italian jacket.

I must mention that Google Lens helps me a great deal. I downloaded the Google app on my phone and often use Google Lens to help me identify pieces where the tag is missing or no signature is present. It is an excellent educational and detective tool that has changed my life, especially when identifying rare pieces of china or jewelry.

What is the most memorable donated piece that you encountered?

One day, I was sorting through recent donations and found a fitted plastic box with a big coin. It was before the Google Lens, so I couldn’t look it up. It was the size of a silver dollar, made of silver, and had a skull with roses on one side. I often work on the jewelry pieces at home, as cleaning and polishing them takes a lot of time. My son noticed the coin I had ready on my desk and asked me about it. He is a musician, and he explained what it was. Unbeknownst to me, SCHIP had a rare Grateful Dead commemorative coin in their possession. We priced it accordingly for $350, and a couple of months later, a Grateful Dead fan was thrilled to have found such a rare treasure and bought it. Again, you never know what you can find at SCHIP!

What have you witnessed over the years with SCHIP? How did SCHIP evolve over the years?

SCHIP has undergone many changes over the years I have been there. At times, we have struggled with staffing numbers and experience, both employees and volunteers. This has improved significantly in the last few years, especially now that we have a new shop and warehouse manager. SCHIP continues to thrive, showing that people with the right experience, knowledge, attitude, and drive can contribute considerably to the shop’s success.

What do you enjoy the most in your time as a volunteer at SCHIP?

Besides researching and prepping the donated pieces for sale, I enjoy working with customers at the cashier’s desk. I love educating them about the pieces they are considering purchasing. We have wonderful customers who often enjoy learning about the background of a given piece. I think it is essential to share the history of a particular piece. Buying something with a story behind it creates an entirely different shopping experience.

What can volunteers who join SCHIP expect? And what message would you share with people considering volunteering?

Anyone volunteering at SCHIP can enjoy knowing they are contributing something of tangible value to our local communities. The grants genuinely make a difference in other people's lives. So, volunteering, sorting, merchandising, and enjoying the camaraderie is meaningful. We all have an innate need to make a difference, and at SCHIP, you can do that. No task is too small at the end of the day. It is a large team of people, each with a particular skill or expertise. Combined, we are having a significant impact – both in terms of contributing to the grants that are funding great projects in the community and recycling goods that would have probably ended up in a landfill.

Are there any final comments and reflections you would like to make? 

I am truly grateful to have found an excellent outlet for my need to contribute meaningfully to my community.

Thank you, Scarlett, for your time and for reflecting on your volunteering experience at SCHIP. 

Interviewed by M. Sussman

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