February 20, 2024
Meet EveryStep Giving Tree's Cheyenne Hensley
Shoppers at EveryStep Giving Tree in Urbandale have likely seen the friendly face of Cheyenne Hensley, assistant manager of the boutique-style thrift store. Having just celebrated two years with EveryStep Giving Tree, Cheyenne says her favorite part of her job is the people she meets and works with.
“People make doing what we do so fun — the people who shop, the people we serve, the people dropping off donations and the people who work at the store,” says Cheyenne.
The thoughtful displays and fashionable outfits in an uncluttered atmosphere make EveryStep Giving Tree a unique thrift shopping experience, but Cheyenne says it’s the way donations are received that really sets the thrift store apart.
“I think we take extra care with the items people donate. People give us their possessions — whether it’s their personal possessions, a friend’s or a family member’s — they give them to us in the hopes of them finding a new life while supporting Every Step programing,” says Cheyene. “It’s a joyful responsibility.”
Many of those donations are quite unique. One of Cheyenne’s favorites is a Magnus chord organ. “It’s an item I didn’t know existed! It sounds like a pipe organ, but uses electricity to power a fan that pushes air through reeds like a harmonica.”
Cheyenne studied Theatre in college, which she says prepared her for most work environments. “I worked for two semesters at a Reggio Emilia preschool in Illinois. When I decided to come back home to Des Moines, I saw the opening at EveryStep Giving Tree and joined the team,” says Cheyenne. “I’m fortunate to be able to spend time with my family in the Des Moines metro. EveryStep Giving Tree is next to my dad’s store, Hensley’s Big and Tall, so we have lots of opportunities to say hi!”
When Cheyenne is not working at EveryStep Giving Tree, she enjoys reading, watching films, writing poetry or scripts, and listening to music. “I’m really into The Cranberries, Bread, Chappell Roan and lots of disco, like Sister Sledge. Music is another aspect I enjoy at EveryStep Giving Tree. We love music in the store because it enhances the shopping experience.”
Located at 3330 100th Street in Urbandale, EveryStep Giving Tree is open for shopping and donations 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To learn about the many volunteer opportunities at EveryStep Giving Tree, please email store manager Michele Bronson or call 515-270-2414. Volunteer roles Include:
- Clothing steamer.
- Fitting room attendant.
- Clothes washer.
- Clothing straightener.
- Pricer.
- Back door greeter (to accept donations).
- Dish washer.
Purchases and donations at EveryStep Giving Tree help fund EveryStep’s free and low-cost health care and human service programs – and the people they serve. If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 515-558-9946 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form here. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and provide help.