08/06/2026
St. Paul’s Thrift Shop Hosts Annual Volunteer Luncheon
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A Joyful Gathering of Gratitude and Fellowship
The Thrift Shop’s Annual Volunteer Luncheon was held on Sunday, August 2, in Malone Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. We celebrated our wonderful volunteers and staff with delicious food, warm fellowship, special awards, and outstanding door prizes for everyone. Many thanks to Board Member Cindy Hoeb, who organized this memorable event, and to the dozens of local merchants that donated merchandise and gift cards.
Board Chair Gaye Wilson welcomed everyone, and the Reverend Thack Dyson offered the blessing for the food. Following the delicious meal, Thrift Shop Manager Kathy Mallory presented the annual volunteer awards.
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Lifetime Achievement Award: Maryellen McGregor
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Maryellen McGregor in recognition of more than 20 years of faithful service. Over the years, Maryellen has served in a variety of roles at the shop and has been a dedicated member of the Holiday Shoppe Committee. A gifted decorator, she faithfully unpacks dozens of boxes of housewares every Monday and transforms them into beautiful, inviting displays. Thank you, Maryellen, for moving mountains each week while sharing your humor, creativity, and joyful spirit with everyone around you.
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Nifty Thrifty Award: Pam Parker
Pam Parker received the Nifty Thrifty Award. Pam volunteers three days each week, keeping the women’s clothing department beautifully stocked and organized. She always has a kind word and a welcoming smile for everyone she meets. She is also an exceptional cook who keeps our volunteers well fed on busy workdays. Thank you, Pam, for your dedication and generosity!
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Karen Thomason Spirit Award: Linda McNamara
Last year, we established the Karen Thomason Spirit Award to honor those exceptional individuals whose joyful spirit is truly contagious. We were especially blessed to have Karen Thomason as a guest at this year’s luncheon as she continues her recovery from the automobile accident she suffered two summers ago.
This year’s recipient of the Karen Thomason Spirit Award was Linda McNamara. As a greeter in our furniture department, Linda is known for her listening ear, warm smile, and encouraging words. She radiates positivity and joy, making her a favorite among customers, volunteers, and staff alike. Linda truly exemplifies our motto, “Giving our hands to serve and our hearts to love,” making this honor especially well deserved.
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Door Prizes and Closing Celebration
The luncheon concluded with the drawing of numbers for the door prize selections. Thanks to the generosity of dozens of local merchants, volunteers were able to choose from an impressive collection of beautiful gifts and generous gift cards. It was a wonderful ending to a very special afternoon, and everyone went home with a smile—and a lovely gift.
