Saint Francis Gift and Thrift volunteers show up week after week, serving with dignity, integrity, empathy, trust, and sustainability. I couldn’t be more appreciative of every volunteer who gives their time, talent, and heart.

As the store manager, I know I shouldn’t have favorites—but two volunteers hold a very special place in my heart.

My parents, Bill and Cindy Genthe, have been volunteering regularly since I was hired in 2023. My dad, Bill, first began volunteering in 2004 when Saint Francis opened its doors, primarily helping with the pickup and delivery of furniture and appliances. After retiring from his job at the high-rise, he joined CSS/SFGT in a larger role, taking on everything from testing, cleaning, and pricing merchandise to general maintenance of the grounds and facilities.

Today, my dad works for the City of Auburn from April through October, and during the winter months—and many Saturdays—you’ll still find him at the store. He continues to come back week after week because he genuinely enjoys being around the other volunteers and staff.

My mom, Cindy, began volunteering on and off after retiring from Time Warner Cable about ten years ago. She now volunteers every Saturday and keeps coming back because she loves giving back to her community.

Over the years, we’ve all found something we love at the thrift store. For my dad, it was a Pampered Chef cookie press he now uses each Christmas to make Spritz cookies. For my mom, it was a cedar chest that just needed a little love and attention.

When my dad isn’t working or volunteering, he enjoys playing Candy Crush on his iPad and relaxing with his cat, Freckles. When my mom isn’t working part-time at the pharmacy or volunteering, she’s an avid reader who enjoys yardwork and refurbishing furniture.

Together, my parents do their very best to stay healthy and keep the faith so they can continue serving their community. Bill and Cindy have been married for 50 years. They have four children—Jon, Joe, Jason, and Julie—along with a daughter-in-law, Jodi, a son-in-law, Randy, and five grandchildren: Brayden, Weston, Braxton, Asher, and Lucy.

My mom often says she thanks God every day for the life she gets to live. Watching her children grow into adults and seeing them blessed with grandchildren brings her the greatest joy. My dad would simply nod in agreement.

I couldn’t have asked for two better volunteers—and I feel incredibly blessed that they just happen to be my parents.