Bargain Basket Celebrates Volunteers for 4th of July

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Bargain Basket, United Church of Marco Island's thrift store ministry. So church leaders have decided to step up their game by honoring their volunteers more often. On Wednesday, June 26, the church threw a 4th of July party for the Bargain Basket volunteers.

“We absolutely couldn’t do it without those volunteers,” said Samantha Arago, Director of Operations for the church and the Bargain Basket. “Last year we aimed for at least one social event per quarter. This year we’re looking at celebrations surrounding the holidays.”

The Bargain Basket shut down donations for an hour for the event, something that would be inconceivable during the winter season.

 "We’d never try to shut down donations for an hour in January,” Arago laughed, "but it’s manageable this time of year.”

In true servant leadership form, Bargain Basket manager Bill Johenning served as chef for the event.

 "Bill Johenning took the lead on cooking and grilling,” Arago said. "He’s been grocery shopping, preparing, and cooking for quite some time and it all paid off.”

Arago said it’s quite common for Bargain Basket volunteers to bring in homemade dishes for their co-workers. The 4th of July party was no exception. 

“Many of our volunteers are great cooks,” Arago said, "we have a recipe folder where we store some of the best of what’s been brought in to share. Today, a few of those talented people brought special side dishes to share. Tents, tables, and décor were set up and volunteers were able to come and mingle for an hour."