Last Updated on February 5, 2026
February 2026
In the midst of the chaotic world around us, it is comforting to have this oasis of caring that is Charlestown. While not everyone will agree on everything, we can agree to disagree politely and respectfully. One thing we can all agree on is that people here volunteer for a wide variety of activities that benefit individuals and groups both on the campus and off it.
One particular activity that has more volunteers than most is the quarterly Treasure Sale. It will be coming again Thursday, February 5 through Saturday, February 7th. While the physical sale may be three days, volunteers are working daily round the year behind the scene to make the actual sales events happen.
Donation sales calls are being taken, Picker-Uppers are collecting the items, Cleaners are cleaning items, Sorters are sorting and boxing and marking those boxes for the appropriate area. Cleaner-outers are emptying apartments and then the whole picking up, cleaning and sorting happens again. Furniture movers transport the large pieces to the Terrace Furniture Rooms.
In the midst of the sorting, better items are marked for the Treasure Chest and better clothing for the Boutique. In both places, volunteers are displaying the wares on Tuesdays and bringing what is left back inside at the assigned times.
Prior to the quarterly sales, Setter Uppers get tables ready, shelves and racks may be put on them to display items, Movers transport the sorted boxes to the Conference Center and place them in their designated areas. Opener-Uppers place the items attractively on the tables until, once again, the total area is incredibly totally filled. While the box removers, then eliminate the extra boxes.
Then the Greeters get the orange bags ready and the Check-out people sit behind their tables with calculators and the Area people re-arrange their goods one more time until the doors open and the buyers flood in seeking that perfect item or clothing that will make their day.
They flock to the Check-out people who add up their purchases, the Bundlers bag and dot them and they go happily on their way. Sometimes, the Transporters deliver the treasures too heavy to carry.
Upstairs there are similar actions taking place in the Boutique, Better Jewelry and Furniture. There is a swirl of activity on both levels.
On Saturday, when the wares are depleted and the buyers have left, the Packer-Uppers box up what is left for the charities. The Transporters now move out the shelves and crates and the Conference Center returns to its former self.
That return is a happily ever after as the final figures are counted to see how well Benevolent Care has done this time. This is all thanks to the combined efforts of about 400 volunteers and staff. If you would like to work some aspect of the Treasure Sale, please contact Casey Bassler at casey.basssler@erickson.com or stop by to see her in the Philanthropy office in Cross Creek
For 2025, 725 people responded to the volunteer survey. A new survey will be coming out. Make sure you register whatever volunteer hours you have completed. Any number is welcome from one hour on up. That way you will be invited to the Volunteer Thank You Bash whenever it occurs and you can get your 2025 volunteer pin!
Many other volunteer opportunities await anyone interested. Some are just one day or a few hours. Others are for a longer commitment of time. Nadine Rebeiro, the new Volunteer Program Coordinator, will welcome your call, email or drop in. Her office is off the Pool/Poker Room just past the little bridge from Cross Creek. (email ccicommunityresources.com)
One of those longer commitments is to run for a seat on the Resident Council. In the next month, the Nominating Committee will be looking for prospective candidates wanting to serve the entire community. When a member of the committee asks you to run, take as a compliment and say “YES!”
The benefits of volunteering are two-fold. While you are helping someone else, you, too, are being helped.
Stephanie Leddy, Residents’ Council President 2025-2026