A family who volunteers together stays together—or at least that’s the motto for Blake, Sandy, Susan, and Scott. Sandy and Susan are twins, married to Blake and Scott. The four of them deeply enjoy being together, whether they’re hanging out, vacationing, or—yes!—volunteering. For them, New 2 You is another opportunity to share life together.

Susan was the first of the four to come to New 2 You. About 10 years ago, she came in as a one-time volunteer through Grand Rapids Christian’s parent volunteer commitment. She really enjoyed the work and decided to stay. Soon after, Sandy joined in. One busy Christmas season, the sisters needed help in the donation center, so they called in Blake. Hesitant at first, Blake tagged along, but finding his niche in the store brought him to life. After Scott retired, he joined the crew, too. Now, Blake, Sandy, Susan, and Scott come in Wednesday afternoons, Thursday nights, and one Saturday each month. They are such a blessing to us all!

Susan and Sandy both used to be teachers for kindergarten, first, and second grade. They describe their days at New 2 You similarly to how teaching was—each day is an adventure with a variety of work. The sisters are volunteer managers and price the women’s boutique dresses. Blake handles vintage and antique items, special jewelry, and records. Scott manages the sporting goods and helps Blake with the antiques. No day is the same for any of them.

Something they love most is seeing value in items that others might not. Blake especially loves the stories behind treasures. His favorite finds were a Cherokee teapot and a World War II delousing device, both of which are in museums. Scott finds homes for other items through a booth he has at a local vintage shop. There, he’s able to sell VHS tapes, motorcycle jackets, and other items that wouldn’t normally sell to New 2 You’s clientele and bring the revenue back to the store. Both Blake and Scott spend a lot of time getting treasures into the right hands.

These couples love the variety of work, but they also love the people they work with and the cause they support. “The thing that really drives us is the school kids—it’s not the store. Our hearts are in the right place, and it’s fun!” Blake shared.

A little bit more about Blake, Sandy, Susan, and Scott: All four grew up in West Michigan and have lived in the area their whole lives. Sandy and Blake have three kids and four grandkids. Sandy used to be a teacher, and Blake worked for a phone company. He’s always had a love for antiques, art, and jewelry—he even has a degree in art history! Susan was also a teacher, while Scott did stone masonry and bricklaying. They have three kids and five grandkids with a sixth on the way.

Outside of volunteering, they love to travel together, go rock hunting, shop for antiques, and spend time with their grandkids—especially when the kids can come over to the cottage or play in the pool.

Blake, Sandy, Scott, and Susan are such valuable volunteers and incredible people to know! We are abundantly thankful to have this family in our New 2 You family!