Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Wendy, Giving Furniture a Second Life at Jubilee Furniture

At Jubilee Furniture, every piece has a story,and so do the volunteers who help bring those pieces back to life.

For the past two and a half years, Wendy has been doing exactly that. A longtime shopper turned volunteer, she now transforms overlooked furniture into beautiful, high-value pieces and helps customers find exactly what they need.

From Shopper to Volunteer

Wendy’s journey started with a simple idea.

After seeing an armoire converted into a bar, she came into Jubilee Furniture and shared the idea with the team. When she realized they did not have someone to bring that kind of transformation to life, she stepped in and offered to try it herself.

She took a piece home, reimagined it, and brought it back as an inspiration piece for the showroom floor. Customers immediately took notice and wanted to buy it. What started as a one-time project quickly turned into something more.

“That’s when I went off and running,” Wendy said.

That moment marked the shift from being a loyal shopper to becoming a hands-on volunteer who now plays a key role in creating new value from donated furniture.

Turning Potential Into Purpose

Wendy loves taking furniture that has been sitting on the floor and giving it a second life.

One cabinet she worked on had been priced at $40 for two years. After refinishing it, the piece sold for $400 in just one week.

“It’s incredibly motivating,” she said. “I love making money for Jubilee because I know what a great organization this is.”

Whether she’s refinishing furniture or helping behind the scenes, Wendy’s goal is simple: help the store thrive.

Helping Customers Find the Perfect Piece

Because Wendy knows the store so well, she’s often able to quickly guide customers to exactly what they’re looking for.

“When someone says they need something specific, I’m like, ‘Follow me,I have a few options for you,’” she said.

She also loves the unexpected moments that happen at Jubilee,like when a couple discovered a chair from the college they both attended.

“That’s the stuff you find at Jubilee,” Wendy said.

A Community That Keeps Growing

For Wendy, volunteering is about more than furniture. It’s about relationships.

She values the teamwork, the support from staff, and the welcoming environment that makes Jubilee special.

“I love it here. It’s a fun environment,” she said.

She’s also seen Jubilee Furniture grow,from expanding the showroom to opening a second location in Lombard, creating more opportunities to serve customers and give furniture a second life.

Thank You, Wendy

Wendy’s creativity, energy, and heart make a lasting impact at Jubilee Furniture. From transforming forgotten pieces into something beautiful to helping customers find the perfect fit, she plays an important role in the Jubilee community.

Thank you, Wendy, for helping give furniture a second life.

Interested in Volunteering at Jubilee Furniture?

Volunteers make Jubilee Furniture possible. Whether you enjoy working with customers, organizing donations, or repurposing furniture, there’s a place for you here.

Join a community that gives furniture, and people, a fresh start.