Volunteer
Magdalene and Thistle Farms always need volunteers. From picking thistles, handyman projects, preparing dinner at our houses, teaching classes and assisting in planning and organizing, volunteers have made Thistle Farms & Magdalene what they are today. You'll find some ongoing opportunities below, but If you would like to receive e-mail updates on opportunities you can email stacye@thistlefarms.org, our Volunteer Coordinator, and let her know you would like to be on the Volunteer Email Update email list. You can also visit our Facebook "Thistle Farms & Magdalene Volunteers" page here.
Read Volunteer Handbook Here
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
WEDNESDAYS Each Wednesday is open volunteer day at Thistle Farms. Arrive at 8:45, meditation begins at 9:00, after meditation and check-in, a Thistle Farms employee will advise as to what volunteer work is available for the day and you'll be done before lunchtime. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Stacye, is there to answer questions.
THISTLE PAPER: Let us know if you are interested in making thistle paper from the hand-picked thistles and recycled grocery bags.
THISTLE FARMING (late Spring/Summer): Picking and drying thistle is a beautiful spiritual path. They can be past their prime, that's fine. Once you have picked your thistles they can be dropped off at Thistle Farms on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9AM-2PM.
If you want to be involved, but can't find the time, below are a few items that are needed and can be dropped off at your convenience:
Gift Cards to Target or Kroger - $25 or $50
Welcome baskets (for new residents): shampoo, conditioner, lotion, towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, standard size bed pillow, plus anything else that might be handy for someone who has no possessions --magazines, books, healthy snacks, writing paper, stamps...Containers such as a smal laundry basket or under-bed storage box are great. Most welcome baskets fall into the $35-$40 range.
Move-out baskets (for women moving into their own housing): cleaning products, paper products, picture hanging kits, bottled water, and heathly snacks. Containers such as a laundry basket or under-bed storage box are great. Most move-out baskets fall into the $35 range.
In Kind Donations
We also accept donations of household items (not clothing) in good condition at our donation center at 5122 Charlotte by appointment.
CAN ACCEPT *Hard-surface furnishings (end/coffee tables, dressers, bed frames, head/foot boards, dinette sets) *Kitchen necessities, in very good working order (pots/pans/skillets, baking/ovenware, utensils...) *Dishes, dish sets (plates, cups, bowls...) *Silverware/flatware *Countertop kitchen appliances in very good working order. *Floor/table lamps in very good working order. *Sheet sets, new or gently used. Twin, full or queen size. *Bath or kitchen towels/wash cloths, hand towels without stains, tears or holes. *Unopened/unused household cleaning/paper products, trash bags, etc.
CANNOT ACCEPT *Used clothing, shoes *Soft surface and/or upholstered furnishings of any kind, including mattresses, pillows, upholstered couches, chairs... *Decorative items *Outdoor furniture *Cars *Anything from the CAN ACCEPT list that is broken, stained, dirty, not working as it is supposed to.
Acknowledgements for In Kind contributions will be sent by standard mail after receipt of the gift - usually in the month following. Please make sure we have your full address! Please know that Magdalene can not place a value on In Kind donations. We will acknowledge the gift and the donor should attach their documentation of value to our letter for their records. Magdalene is a 501 (c) (3) corporation -Thistle Farms is its non-profit business. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law; please refer to your tax advisor for matters related to your specific gift.
For questions about volunteering and In Kind donations, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, stacye@thistlefarms.org. For questions about an acknowledgement for your In Kind donation, contact Marlei.
Thank you from everyone at Magdalene/Thistle Farms!