Every day, hundreds of donated items arrive at GiftsToGive. Volunteers sort through bags, boxes, and bins filled with clothing, toys, books, and household goods destined to help local children and families.
Most people see the end result: shelves stocked with essentials and smiles on the faces of families receiving them.
What they don’t always see is the dedicated team of volunteers who carefully inspect every item that comes through our doors. Their role isn’t simply to organize donations — it’s to ensure that each item is handled with care and that nothing meaningful is overlooked.
Recently, that attention to detail made all the difference.
While sorting through donations in the Home Goods Department, volunteers Cindy J. and Kyra L. came across a small box unlike others. Inside was a collection of hundreds of unique vintage stamps and letters. The box was labeled with a person’s name and the words, “Do Not Open.”
Recognizing that the box appeared to contain personal belongings rather than an intentional donation, the volunteers paused. Instead of placing it with the rest of the donated items, they carefully searched for any information that might help identify its owner. Inside, they found a mailing label that gave them a way to reach the family.
“Once I saw the letters along with the extensive collection of vintage stamps, I knew it had to be something special,” shared Kyra L. “Too often, items with sentimental value are lost, and I didn’t want that to happen to this dedicated collection. The second Cindy and I saw the letters, we knew we had to reach out — and we’re so glad we did.”
After contacting the owner, Cindy learned that the stamp collection had been missing for quite some time. It had been accidentally packed into a donation box, and the family was happy to learn it had been found. Arrangements were soon made to return the treasured collection to its rightful owner.
The family, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed their appreciation for the volunteers’ thoughtfulness.
“We appreciate all that Cindy and Kyra did to reunite us with our stamps and all the amazing work that GiftsToGive does every day,” the owner shared.
Stories like this don’t happen by chance. They happen because GiftsToGive volunteers approach every donation with thoughtfulness, patience, and respect. Across every department, volunteers carefully inspect donations by checking pockets, opening containers, matching sets, testing toys, and preparing items for children and families throughout the South Coast.
“It is with love that GiftsToGive volunteers give their time,” said Cindy J. “Every donation is valued and processed with great care. Occasionally, we discover something special, and it’s a joy to reunite precious heirlooms with their owners.”
While reunions like this may be rare, the care that made it possible is not. It’s the same thoughtfulness volunteers bring to every box they open, every item they inspect, and every family they serve.
Whether preparing donations for a child in need or returning a cherished keepsake to its rightful owner, GiftsToGive volunteers remind us that kindness is often found in the smallest acts of care. Their dedication doesn’t just prepare donations for the next family — it builds trust, strengthens our community, and reflects the compassion at the heart of our mission.
Story By: (Marissa Sebastiao)