For many years, I have volunteered, only in male mode, at a local non-profit free trade store. I have also been in as Joanie many times, and all the paid staff know me in both male and female mode. I am particularly chummy with one of the staffers, a woman named Deb. She and I conspired that we would work together on Dec 23, because we worked together last year and had a blast. She worked the register, and I wrapped presents. Not too long ago we were chatting about doing it again, and we decided I would do it as Joanie this year, so they made up a Joanie name tag in addition to my male one. Deb is enthusiastically supportive of Joanie.
Yesterday I got a text from the store manager that they could use some help today while there was only one paid staff member working. This time of year, they need volunteers to help with unpacking incoming merchandise, etc. I decide to go in as Joanie. I ended up mostly in the back room, unpacking boxes and putting pricing stickers on merchandise, but from time to time was around the public part of the store, greeting customers if the paid staff member was busy, etc. Anyway, it was fun and I got a lot of stuff unpacked.
Then, Deb comes into work, which I didn't know about, and she gushes over my outfit and confirms that we are indeed scheduled together on Dec 23. After a bunch of chatting I got her to take my picture in the store. All in all, a great 2-hour volunteer shift. I think I'll be volunteering as Joanie a lot more in the future.
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