Everybody loves Velma: Longtime volunteer keeps Pick of the Litter humming

“The one who sees all, knows all, keeps us in line and has a story,” said customer Diane Johnson.

Last year, the second-hand store right off Broadway on Chula Vista Avenue surpassed $400,000 in sales — and a large part of that is due to Santana and her steadfast devotion to the store and its mission of sending its profits to the Peninsula Humane Society.

After retiring from Caltrans, Santana was asked by one of her closest friends to be a volunteer cashier. Five months later, she was hired because she said they needed someone reliable and knowledgeable to work the register. She just celebrated her 85th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down.

“The store is like my second home,” she said.

Pick of the Litter collects donations such as clothing, furniture, books, jewelry and households items. Those items are then priced for sale. After rent and other expenses, the store has cleared more than $120,000 in net profits, which will greatly benefit the animals, said PHS spokesman Scott Delucchi.

Assistant Manager John Gjersoe said Santana has an, “extremely reliable, dedicated and resourceful demeanor that is irreplaceable.”

“She’s more like a mom, grandma or friend to our loyal customers which is the best compliment someone can receive,” Gjersoe said.

In her time at the store, Santana said she is lucky to be surrounded with a great staff and loyal customers. People from all walks of life have come flocking to the store in search of her.

“I match people with what they are looking for, because everyone has a niche,” she said.

Her niche is to live and work 110 percent for the store, which Delucchi said has made her a perfect fit for the organization.

Not only is she a professional resource, but Gjersoe said she treats everyone like family. Many of their loyal customers have felt this way about her because she cares for each of them, he added.

She is also, she said, “realistic and not afraid to speak my mind.”

She laughs jovially as she admits it has gotten her in trouble at times. When she is not speaking her mind, she is, she said, “working the register taking people’s money.”

Delucchi and staff said it’s an honor to have someone of Santana’s age still contributing her time and effort. The only thing that would stop her from working is a natural disaster.

Amongst the countless Thank You letters she has received, one best illustrates Velma, “Lion at the Gate who shepherds the masses and has a myriad of tales to tell with her wit, wisdom and impeccable comic timing.”

To volunteer, or donate visit peninsulahumanesociety.org for more information.