Stepping Stones Books and Gifts has served our community since our doors first opened, and none of it happens without the people who show up week after week to make it work. The chimes, the candles, the shelves of Ernest Holmes titles, the corner of children's books, the original art from local artists: all of it is tended by volunteer hands. Our volunteers open the store on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday evenings. They greet visitors, restock shelves, track inventory, and offer a warm word to anyone browsing for a gift or a book that might speak to where they are in their journey. Alicia Carroll coordinates much of this behind the scenes, and she is often the first call when something needs attention outside open hours. Gratitude feels like the right word for what this community owes them. A bookstore run by volunteers carries a different kind of energy than one run for profit. Every purchase supports our spiritual community directly, and every hour a volunteer gives comes from ...
We have mentioned before that we are intending to gradually scale back on bookstore duties and eventually step down completely. We are actively seeking people to help in the following areas: advertising, computer skills (Excel, Word), social media, graphic art (creative signage), special events, deep cleaning and the BIG ONE...retail management and retail buying skills. Passing the baton Yes, we wish to pass on the management of the store to new volunteers, preferably a manager and assistant manager (or perhaps a management team). In this store's management, the most important and time-consuming tasks are ordering product, input of product and managing the product. We would train and continue to advise (if necessary) to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in the two basic areas of gift items and books. For a while, we wish to retain the decorating portion of managing the store. Managing the store is a HUGE responsibility, but the rewards are ten...