Volunteer of the Month Ruth Marshall accepts her certificate from Voice Editorial Assistant Dylan Roche. Photo by Brian Lancione

A Dedicated Worker Donates 4000 Hours To Chesapeake Treasures

By Dylan Roche

In 1998, Ruth Marshall joined the volunteer staff at Chesapeake Treasures, the retail shop of Park Plaza that benefits Hospice of the Chesapeake. Marshall heard about the volunteer opportunity from her minister at Severna Park United Methodist Church, where she is a member.

Just as much as others appreciate her dedication, Marshall appreciates having the chance to give. When Marshall’s husband was battling cancer, they were thankful for the support they received from Hospice, which aims to improve the quality of life for those struggling with illness and bereavement. “This is my way I can pay back and help someone else,” she explains. Since all proceeds from Chesapeake Treasures go to benefit Hospice, the shop relies on a dedicated staff of volunteers to serve its patrons.

Marshall relocated to the Severna Park area from Rockville 15 years ago, and 14 of those years have been spent working as a volunteer at Treasures. During that time, Marshall has donated over 4000 hours of her time and made herself a beloved member of the team. The shop is completely staffed by volunteers, and Marshall’s contribution is immeasurable.

“She’s very friendly and outgoing,” says store manager Donna Richardson. “She is always willing to help the customers, and that goes a long way. Her attentiveness and ability to relate to those around her is really her strength.” Richardson adds that with a volunteer team, dedication and willingness are especially appreciated, noting, “When you’re giving of your time, it’s not like you’re being paid for it.” Marshall’s devotion all comes from a willingness to serve.

Indeed, Marshall enjoys a relationship with many of the regular customers. “You get to know the people who come in often, and you’re able to recognize their likes and dislikes,” Marshall says, explaining why her personal attention to each customer has helped her in her sale duties.

For Marshall, a typical day volunteering at Chesapeake Treasures might include any number of responsibilities, from unpacking donations to tidying up; answer the phone to ringing sales. But her foremost duty is service to the customers, and making the shop a place where they feel welcome.

In addition to her role offering exceptional customer service, Marshall takes on additional responsibility by opening the store on Tuesdays, so that manager Richardson can have a free morning. “That’s incredibly helpful to me,” Richardson commends.

And while Marshall typically works two days a week, she makes herself available for more days when Richardson is out of town, or if an emergency arises.

As a way of thanking her friends and neighbors, Marshall bakes special raisin-pecan bread, made from a family recipe, which she has prepared for many of Treasures’ customers, as well as nearby store owners in the Park Plaza center. Last year, Marshall baked 285 loaves of bread as a way of showing her appreciation for those around her at her volunteer job.

Above all, Marshall appreciates the unique camaraderie with her fellow volunteers and customers. “I’ve been very well accepted, and I appreciate that,” she says with a smile. “It’s my home away from home.”