The Mustard Seed could not exist without our 40+ talented volunteers. It’s because of the volunteers that the store is able to donate to organizations helping women and children (over $150,000 so far!). From time to time we will be featuring one of our volunteers. This month we are checking in with long-time volunteer, Paula Spanheimer.
Volunteer Interview
Diane: I see you’ve picked one of the white tunics as your favorite item from Mustard Seed. I know you’ve purchased many tunics. Why are they your favorites?
Paula: Our tunics are the best! The one I selected had a lot of detail and it was a good fit for me. In addition, it had a great story with it as do all of our items in the store.
D: I always love seeing what you are going to wear to the store! I think you dress so beautifully! How would you describe your style?
P: Thank you for the compliment! I choose easy to wear clothes, simple but with a little edge that looks well with our jewelry and scarves.
D: You were one of our models in last year’s fashion show! Was it fun?
P: I was very nervous modeling last year but the way everyone pulled together was amazing. The behind-the-scenes people were fantastic. All the models had to do was walk when they told us to!
D: How did you start volunteering at Mustard Seed?
P: I happened in the Mustard Seed about 2 months after it opened. I was so impressed with the mission of the store, I asked if I could volunteer in some way and here I am still amazed at what’s accomplished here.
D: I know you’re retired right now- what did you do in your “other life”?
P: I was a public school teacher for 30 years. For the last 17 years I worked with 7th and 8th graders and loved their energy and honesty – though it could be brutal. My husband and I raised two boys who are married and having kids of their own. We are very happy in our new role as grandparents. I have been active in politics, headed a PAC committee for WAND and served on their national board of directors.
D: What’s your favorite thing about helping at Mustard Seed?
P: I love working with our customers and sharing the stories of the people who make the beautiful items we sell. I think our customers can feel very good about their purchases!
PAULA: QUICK TAKES!
Where were you born? Omaha- which is where I met my husband.
Favorite food – Veggies, fruit and a little chocolate, the perfect meal!
Favorite place in the world – Cambodia, going there was a life changing trip for my husband and I.
What do you like to do in your free time? Read, garden, run, practice yoga and enjoy friends and family.
Favorite book – “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver
Favorite movie – “Wait until Dark” with Audrey Hepburn
Sporty or girly? Girly- I love clothes and shoes!
Heels or flats? Heels- lately I’m wearing kitten heels.
Chocolate or vanilla? Dark chocolate
Mountains or beaches? Mountains- I love to hike.
Kindle or book? Both. Kindles are convenient, but once and awhile I need to feel the pages turn.
Text or phone call? Text-I text more and more it seems!
Day or night person? Day person, but I wish I could say night person
Coffee or tea? Coffee am, tea pm!
