Volunteer Spotlight: Cheri Martinez

This month we’re shining a spotlight on ReStore volunteer Cheri Martinez. For the past two years, Cheri faithfully volunteers two days each week – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm – pricing, preparing, and beautifully displaying merchandise. Cheri and her husband Miguel first got connected with the ReStore by donating home goods, and later became customers. While shopping, she saw a sign encouraging volunteers, discussed the idea with her husband, and reached out to a staff member to get involved. “Once I saw the environment and how everyone worked together, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Cheri said.

With a background in corporate grocery retail, Cheri brings decades of experience in store layout, merchandising, and customer communication to her volunteer work. She started in the back room with cleaning and organizing donated items, and she now helps price, stage, and reimagine entire sections of the store. “I love taking something that might look plain on its own, and creating a theme that catches the customer’s eye,” she explained. “For example, we received beautiful yellow dishware and decor so we decided to build a yellow-themed display, and we sold a lot of it. It’s satisfying to see it organized beautifully, then go back to someone’s home.”

Cheri’s joy comes not only from the creative work but also from the camaraderie she shares with the ReStore team. “We feed off each other’s ideas. The inventory is always changing, and I love the challenge of making it look fresh and inviting,” she said. “I take pride in seeing what sells. I feel productive, and I love staying busy.” For Cheri, volunteering at the ReStore is more than just a way to spend time in retirement, it’s about giving back and being part of something meaningful.

“Cheri’s hard work, creativity, and positive spirit make her an absolute joy to have in the store,” said ReStore Manger Lynn Aldersley. “Her contributions not only enhance our customers’ shopping experience but also help increase our revenue, allowing us to further support our SNHfH mission. We are truly grateful for everything she does!”