April 18, 2024

Meet Giving Tree's Shane Buckner

Nearly every day, generous EveryStep supporters donate clothing, home décor, clothing and more to EveryStep Giving Tree. And more likely than not, Shane Buckner, the stock room coordinator and store driver at the Urbandale thrift shop has seen it, moved it or picked it up from a donor.

Shane joined the EveryStep Giving Tree staff in April 2023, and says each donation is treated with the same care to best serve the store’s customers. “After items are received at the back door of the store or picked up at a donor’s home, they’re sorted into categories such as women’s clothing, men’s clothing, housewares, electronics and furniture by our team. They are then cleaned, priced and placed in the store. Non-working or unusable items are recycled.”

EveryStep Giving Tree requires items be easily accessible from the donor’s garage when Shane schedules a pick-up, but larger items can be challenging. “The Tommy lift on the back of the truck really helps,” says Shane. “I get a workout from time to time, though! Michele (Bronson, EveryStep Giving Tree store manager) and the team are really helpful with the larger items, though. Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Some of the larger items Shane has picked up include a giant chair and a gigantic chandelier that was too big for the truck. “Every day is like Christmas,” says Shane. “You never know what you’ll see or will be donated.”

Before joining the EveryStep Giving Tree team, Shane held several positions that prepared him for the work he does at the boutique-style thrift store. “I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none,” jokes Shane. “I've been a truck driver, factory worker, heavy machine operator, assistant manager at Menards and more. I still laugh that when Michele interviewed me, she asked if I could drive a truck? Yes, I have a CDL. She asked if I could fix furniture? Yes, I was the furniture repair person at Woodmarc in Winterset for eight years. Can you fix electronics? I was the assistant manager at Greenfield Lumber and Radio Shack for about six years. Really, I've done it all, but I love doing what I do at EveryStep Giving Tree! It's the perfect fit for me.”

Born and raised in Greenfield, Iowa, Shane currently lives on a farm in Dexter. His daughter and son-in-law live in Des Moines, and his mom and brother still live in Greenfield. “My ‘grandson’ is a furry American Bulldog named ‘Potatoes.’”

In his spare time, Shane enjoys going to plays and concerts with his girlfriend as well as movies, dining, and spending time with family and friends.

Purchases and donations at EveryStep Giving Tree support EveryStep, a nonprofit organization serving Iowans since 1908. Through more than 30 programs and services, EveryStep’s professional team offers education to young moms; assistance to immigrants and refugees; wellness services in communities; in-home care to people who are ill, injured or facing the end of life; and compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.

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.