Sort it All Out! - Clothing Donation Sorting

About the role

DESC is the largest multi‑service agency serving homeless adults in the Puget Sound region, reaching over 9,000 people annually and providing state‑licensed mental health and chemical dependency treatment, 279 emergency shelter beds, and over 1,600 units of permanent, supportive housing. DESC’s work reduces costly use of emergency rooms, jails, courts, police and psychiatric hospitals while improving quality of life for the community. The agency seeks weekday/weekend volunteers to help sort donations at its Donation Processing Center in the Rainier House building (Columbia City, Seattle). Volunteers will process clothing, hygiene and household items that are in high demand for shelter, housing and outreach programs.

Responsibilities

• Sort incoming donations (clothing, hygiene, household items) delivered twice weekly.
• Identify items suitable for DESC clients across various programs.
• Shelve sorted items for pick‑up by case managers.
• Adhere to safety guidelines, including COVID‑19 vaccination requirements.
• Perform light lifting (approximately 20‑25 lbs) as needed, with accommodations available.

Requirements

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Complete a background check.
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 and follow any required safety protocols.
• Willing to commit to at least six months of volunteer service.
• Ability to lift ~20‑25 lbs (accommodations possible).

Schedule

Hours are flexible; sorting can be done any time between 8 AM and 8 PM, any day of the week or weekend. Volunteers are encouraged to choose a weekly scheduled shift, but pop‑in shifts are also available if a regular schedule is not feasible. Most shifts are performed solo, with occasional overlap.