By: Gabriella Koener, SPCA Volunteer Coordinator
May 2, 2025

At the SPCA Thrift Store, every tag, coat hanger, and cash register beep contributes to something far greater than a great deal. Here, shopping truly saves lives—because every dollar supports the homeless pets cared for by the SPCA Albrecht Center.

The SPCA Thrift Store generates approximately one-third of the organization’s annual income. This essential funding helps sustain every aspect of our mission—from veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries to adoptions and humane education.

Every purchase, no matter how small, directly supports our work with homeless, abused, and neglected animals. And behind that mission are the volunteers who make it all happen.

From sorting through generous donations and pricing items, to organizing the store, making small repairs, and assisting customers with kindness and care—they do it all.

Their dedication allows staff to focus on maximizing store efficiency and, in turn, ensures more funds go directly to the care of the animals.

The volunteer team is a fun, friendly, and passionate group, bonded by a shared love for animals and community service. Their teamwork and positive energy create a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers and make the store a truly special place.

“I love everything vintage, and volunteering at the thrift store is a fun way for me to help the shelter,” says Judy York, a dedicated SPCA Thrift Store volunteer of nearly four years. “The staff is incredible—welcoming and fun to work with. The other volunteers are warm and friendly, and everyone makes me feel valued and appreciated. It’s the best volunteer gig in Aiken!”

Every item you see has been handled with care and love—just like the animals we serve. When you shop with us, you’re supporting a mission powered by compassion.

Michael Harmon has been a dedicated volunteer at the SPCA Thrift Store for nearly a year and was proudly named February’s Volunteer of the Month. A retired electrical engineer, Michael found the perfect fit for his skills when he joined the store team.

“I had been volunteering at a couple of other organizations but wasn’t getting regular consistent hours,” he explains. “Since I adopted my cat, Cargo, from the Albrecht Center, I was familiar with the organization. I also had retail experience, so when I saw Thom Tate’s [SPCA Thrift Store Manager; featured in a recent event story] picture in the paper, I stopped by the store—and the rest is history.”

Michael quickly filled a crucial need: testing electronics. “It was a great opportunity to put my skills to use,” he says. Beyond electronics, he enjoys sorting donations and working alongside the store’s “great staff and volunteers.”

He’s been surprised by both the sheer volume of donations and the generosity of the community. “It’s fun researching unknown items,” he adds with a smile.

His impact is clear. “I love when shoppers ask for the ‘electronics guy’ or when I see something I processed in someone’s cart. It’s rewarding to know that my work directly supports the animals at the shelter.”

Getting involved as a volunteer at the SPCA Thrift Store is easy and rewarding! Just visit LetLoveLive.org/Volunteer to find information about the program and the volunteer application. Once submitted, we’ll contact you to schedule a volunteer orientation.

Volunteers are always needed and deeply appreciated. Whether you’ve got a knack for fashion or just love a good cause, there’s a place for you here. Join our team and help turn secondhand treasures into second chances—for pets who need it most.

Gabriella Koener is the Volunteer Coordinator for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2022, holding various roles including Adoption & Community Services Specialist, Lost and Found Organizer, and Pet Care Specialist. Gabriella is a driven advocate for animal welfare. She resides in North Augusta with her husband, Matthew, and their two rescue kitties.