Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Ide

Lisa Ide has a passion for needlework and she brings that passion with her to ACR every Saturday when she volunteers. "I love that I can make a difference in a place that is dedicated to making things."

Lisa makes a huge difference every week processing all of our needlework kits and fabric, sorting and pricing vintage linens and sorting incoming fabric. "It’s really satisfying to me to know that I helped give something a new life, even if it’s only in a small way. "

Thank you, Lisa for making reuse dreams come true! 

What motivates you to volunteer? 

I have two reasons for volunteering. I feel like ACR is all about using what you have and being a good conservator of resources. In the last few years, I have really learned to appreciate how good it can be to just use what you have. It’s really satisfying to me to know that I helped give something a new life, even if it’s only in a small way. My second reason for volunteering is the folks I’ve met at ACR. Before I started volunteering, I always appreciated how wonderful everyone there treated me and how excited they are about making things. Now I appreciate them even more. I love the warm and fun environment when I volunteer, it’s what gets me out of bed on the weekends. I always enjoy being around the people in the back and I often end up staying later than what I signed up for because I’m having a good time.

Why ACR? 

I was a customer for a long time before I volunteered. I haven’t really volunteered anywhere in a long time, but the environment is fun and the mission is important. I also love that I can make a difference in a place that is dedicated to making things.

How long have you volunteered with ACR? 

Less than a year.

Are you more into the arts aspect of ACR or the conservation aspect and why?

I don’t know if I could choose one. Yes, I am definitely into the arts. I sew, knit & crochet, and do lots of different kinds of needlework. But I think what attracts me is a place where I can be into the arts and still practice conservation. I think that comes from my Mom, who is a wonderful artist and a master of using what she has and making do.

Where else have/do you volunteer? 

Years ago, I was a Girl Scout troop leader for about ten years. I also used to volunteer at our local schools for a variety of things (sewing band uniforms, chaperoning, etc.). I haven’t volunteered much since my kids grew up. 

What do you enjoy the most out of volunteering at ACR? 

The people.

Do you have any interesting or funny stories about something that happened while you were volunteering at ACR?

The latest thing that I thought was funny was the guy who showed up and donated a box that included a couple of pairs of (REAL!) handcuffs….without keys! We see so many crazy things back there but that one was the craziest so far!

This is a 40+ year old lampshade frame from my Mother-in-law's basement. I recovered it with fabric from ACR and put it back in use in her house.

A mostly finished kit that I found when I was cleaning out the needlework bins. I bought it and finished it into a pillow for my office.