DAP Health’s trio of Revivals Thrift Stores — in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert, each of which donates every dollar of profit to the organization (to the tune of almost $2 million a year) — is a success story made possible only thanks to the generosity of its more than 275 dedicated volunteers. DAP Health Magazine recently spoke to two of them.
Elliott Night, 65, is a retiree who’s been donating her time since March 2023 and has just surpassed 500 hours. Her most recent job was running a statewide program for CASA of Contra Costa County, a nonprofit that matches youth in foster care with volunteer clinical therapists for weekly teletherapy. Caleb Calderon — 22, coming up on four years and 260 hours — works full-time at the Starbucks at Vista Chino and North Sunrise Way in Palm Springs while studying at College of the Desert in hopes of becoming an English teacher. The two had never met before and quickly found out they had much in common.
What motivated you to volunteer at Revivals?
Calderon: Well, to be honest, free college. COD required me to do two hours of volunteering to earn my keep. I did my two hours and decided, “You know, that was pretty fun. I want to keep doing this.” There’s a great group of guys in the clothing department with me, and I feel like I’m helping my community a little bit and giving people a great deal when they shop at Revivals. I also like history, and when I work in the warehouse, I see all sorts of stuff you wouldn’t see in other places. It’s like a little museum for me.
Night: I’ve known about DAP Health for many years. And I love to go to thrift stores. I was a big customer of Revivals, and I thought, “Wow, what a great place to volunteer.” I love fashion, so I like sorting clothes, but my area is actually men’s underwear, socks, and ties. I have a big tie collection, so it’s right up my alley. I love that the money we make goes to provide health care for people in the community who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.
There are so many places to volunteer in the valley. Why Revivals?
Calderon: The Starbucks where I work is right across from [DAP Health Sunrise], so I get to see how they impact people every day. I like the fact that the money I help them earn goes to a good cause. That really makes me feel good.
Night: The impact the stores can have on funding DAP Health’s programs and services is great. Every month, they tell us how much we’ve helped raise. We hear the impact we’re having.
What stands out about your volunteer experience?
Night: I also volunteer at [DAP Health Sunrise’s] Ms. Dee’s Boutique, which has clothing for people who have an immediate need — perhaps for a job interview or some other important occasion. We also have clothing for people who may just not have a shirt that day. They can come in and shop, and everything is free. Everyone who comes into the boutique is always super grateful. They can’t believe a place like this exists for them. You can see the relief on their face when they see the variety of things available to them.
Calderon: I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping and making somebody’s day. It’s a good feeling knowing you’re doing something that’s benefiting a lot of people you might not ever meet. You’re helping. That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.
Why would you tell people to volunteer at Revivals?
Night: The staff and volunteers at all the stores are all so welcoming and friendly. It’s like a family. I would say just come in and give it a try. The work is fun and easy. You don’t have to work in the warehouse. You can be a cashier and interact with people more. And there are many other opportunities to volunteer with DAP Health. You can do data entry or meet and greets at events. I’ve volunteered at The Chase and Dining Out For Life.
Calderon: I know for people my age, they eat up a lot of time on social media and electronics. I’d say put your phone down for a little while and go make some new friends and help somebody in the process. There are better ways to spend your time than scrolling on your cell phone.
If you’re looking to meet nice, friendly people like Calderon and Night while doing good for your community, please think about volunteering a few hours a week at Revivals. To learn more, please visit RevivalsStores.com/volunteer.
