our mission

Connecting with The Ames Community and Communities Around the World.

Become a Volunteer

FEATURED VOLUNTEERS

Rae Reilly

Rae has been associated with Worldly Goods since fall of 1993. A former board member.

Favorite aspect of volunteering at Worldly Goods:

“I especially enjoy having unexpected conversations with customers. Maybe they are new to Ames or are using Ames as the meeting point to get together with friends, hearing about other Fairtrade shops they have visited in other locations, finding connections. Sharing stories about the people who make our products.”

Jody Melcher

Jody has been associated with Worldly Goods since 2008. A former board member.

Favorite aspect of volunteering at Worldly Goods:

“I like the fact that all of our merchandise gives twice to the artisan. Our store enables people to provide for their families – food, shelter, clothing, education. Fair Trade provides dignity to the artisans. I love the use of recycled materials in our products.”

Trevor Nelson

Trevor has been associated with Worldly Goods since 2009. A former board member.

Favorite aspect of volunteering at Worldly Goods:

“I like meeting wonderful people who see the value of Fair Trade mission.”

Galina Spike

Galina has been associated with Worldly Goods for over a decade.

Favorite aspect of volunteering at Worldly Goods:

“I love interacting with people and share stories about our products.”

Jeanne Warning

Jeanne has been associated with Worldly Goods for over a decade. A current board member.

Favorite aspect of volunteering at Worldly Goods:

“I love meeting interesting people who value the Fair Trade mission. I also enjoy all the tasks involved with tagging products for display and arranging them on shelves.”

Monica Gordillo

Monica has been associated with Worldly Goods since 2024. A current board member.

Favorite aspect of volunteering at Worldly Goods:

“Meeting wonderful people who see the value of what we do.”

Becoming a Volunteer

Worldly Goods was founded in 1987 by Ames residents Holly and Larry Burkhalter. We wouldn’t be here without their vision to bring Fair Trade to Ames or without the support of our volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer with Worldly Goods contact the store at 515-233-4568 or email hello@worldlygoods.org.

volunteer shift

Weekdays: 11 am – 3 pm
Saturdays: 1pm – 4pm

holiday shift

Additional Weekday Shifts:
5pm – 7pm

Volunteer Committees

Help Worldly Goods plan their marketing and events

Help keep the merchandise displays fresh and fun

Help dust and keep the store looking its best

Outreach Programs

shopping benefit events

Would you like to raise some money for a non-profit organization, while supporting Fair Trade? Contact us and we will host an in-store sale for your group and donate up to 20% of sales to your organization.

house parties, fair trade style

We bring our store to your home and you invite your friends. We start off with an overview of Fair Trade, and then highlight specific products and share stories of artisans. We sell items to you and your guests, and we’ll make a donation of up to 20% of the sales to the non-profit organization of your choice.

educational sessions

We are available to do a variety of presentations in different settings. We think that teaching about the benefits of Fair Trade can truly help build global understanding and peace.

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