See what our volunteers are saying!

Our loyal volunteers help our vision become a reality. See what some of them are saying about why they joined, what they do, and what they love about the co-op!

Volunteer: Don and Barb Knabb

1

What made you start volunteering at the co-op?

We love the idea of a co-op in West Chester, it is just what the community needs, so since we are retired we wanted to help the co-op work toward the goal of a store.

2

What are some things you do while volunteering?

When the temporary store was in operation we helped stock shelves on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We would also sometimes clean the floor, take out trash or do whatever needed to be done.

3

How do you think West Chester benefits from having a co-op?

Having a food store that can be walked to in West Chester will benefit so many people! And the quality of food and other products that were offered at the temporary store was wonderful!

4

What is one thing people might not know about the co-op?

The co-op would be nothing without all the people that volunteer their time to make it happen, but it is a surprisingly small group of people who are carrying the torch.

5

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?

We like spending time in nature, hiking, stargazing and just sitting among the trees. We also sew, garden and do a lot of cooking!

Volunteer: Melanie Baer

1

What made you start volunteering at the co-op?

I can’t really remember how I got started, but I know why. My husband and I joined the co-op early on, but hadn’t really been involved. I saw the Go Box set-up as a great opportunity to get to know and support my co-op, and provide a service in the midst of the pandemic.

2

What are some things you do while volunteering?

Beyond the tasks that need to be done for whatever event where I am volunteering, I spend time getting to know my fellow member-owners, and learning about the local businesses we support.

3

How do you think West Chester benefits from having a co-op?

I joined the Co-op because I believe in community supporting community. While West Chester benefits, or will again in the future, from having a market within walkable distance, the broader community also benefits from the practice of buying local, which helps build the economy here and reduces fossil fuel usage by goods being trucked over hundreds of miles. The nature of a co-operative requires involvement of the member-owners, which provides the opportunity to get to know more people in your community, and makes living in that community more personal. The more people you know where you live develops a greater sense of responsibility and concern for what happens there.

4

What is one thing people might not know about the co-op?

One thing is that being a part of the co-op gives you a chance to meet great people who share some values with you.

5

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?

I like to read fiction, work in my gardens, travel, do jigsaw puzzles, and make things out of junk. At the moment, I’m working on creating a field of sunflowers made from cookie tins.

Volunteer: Sue Patterson

1

What made you start volunteering at the co-op?

When I joined the co-op in 2015, I wanted to be a part of the group that was actively involved in making the idea become a reality, rather than just joining and watching and waiting for other people to make it happen.

2

What are some things you do while volunteering?

I’ve done all sorts of volunteering - I was on the board for 5 ½ years, serving as vice-president and treasurer; I’m on the finance committee; I’ve frequently staffed our booth next to the Growers Market on Saturdays; I help at tabling events. And while we had our GoBox and temporary store on Market Street, I was a cashier for our customers and I also did updates of costs and prices within our Shopify Point of Sale system.

3

How do you think West Chester benefits from having a co-op?

I think it’s important to provide access to locally sourced produce and products, under a different economic model than the typical corporate-owned grocery model, as well as to provide opportunities for members of our community to come together for friendship, education, and social action. I see the co-op as not just a grocery store, but also as a hub for connecting people.

4

What is one thing people might not know about the co-op?

We always welcome new volunteers (hint, hint), and we currently have a couple of open board positions.

5

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?

I have a tiny organic garden (not in the winter!) and I get a surprising amount of produce from it, especially tomatoes and peppers, but also herbs, squash, potatoes, lettuce, spinach, and even kale (if I grow it, maybe I’ll eat it!). I usually take a course at WCU each semester - my current course is Logic, which is a real brain challenge! I walk a few miles daily, mostly at Stroud Preserve. I serve on the board of The Pulsera Project, and I occasionally travel to Guatemala on project-related trips. I read a lot, and usually have one fiction and one non-fiction book in progress. And of course I like to cook.

Volunteer: Dee Noland

1

What made you start volunteering at the co-op?

I was excited about having a grocery store in the borough. The best way to get to know the other member/owners was to get involved in the co-op. Volunteering has always been a big part of my life so volunteering at the co-op just seemed like the natural thing to do.

2

What are some things you do while volunteering?

I have been doing the bookkeeping for the co-op for the past four years. I also have been on the fundraising committee as well as working at the Grower’s Market on Saturday mornings. I packed Go Boxes at the store during Covid, transitioning to working at the store on Tuesdays and Thursdays once we were safely able to open to the public.

3

How do you think West Chester benefits from having a co-op?

Having fresh, organic food within walking distance would be wonderful! Supporting our local farmers and small vendors would benefit them as well. Having educational programs at the co-op would benefit the whole community. Having activities that our member/owners attend is a fun way to get to know each other and to support the co-op.