By Kimberly Gordon
Annie Burns has been a fixture at Penn Valley Gift & Thrift for over three decades. Her connection to Foothills Compassionate Care began 2,530 miles away in Buffalo, New York, where Hospice supported her family during her father’s final stages of life. Inspired by that experience, Annie began volunteering at the Penn Valley thrift store in the mid-1990s. After working the register and supporting various departments, she found a passion for book donations. Teaching herself how to identify rare and vintage titles, Annie has raised thousands of dollars for the store over the past decade.
Managing the book section has been a perfect fit for Annie’s curious spirit. As an international flight attendant, she traveled the globe seeking adventure and continues to explore the world through books. “It’s a wonderful feeling, being exposed to more knowledge,” she shares. Store manager Jason notes, “The book section is critical, and Annie’s commitment and consistency is amazing.” Beyond sales, Annie’s warmth draws customers in, and she also launched a program that donates unsold books to Interfaith Food Ministries, where they’re made available for free.
Annie’s husband, David Burns, also shares his talents with the organization. A copper artist, David created the large copper tree outside the office, reflecting the Hospice of the Foothills logo and honoring loved ones whose donations support critical work. For more than 20 years, he has continued crafting copper leaves as the tree grows. His workshop—filled with custom machinery and tools—reflects a creative career ranging from racing cars to building and metalwork. “It’s fulfilling to help people honor their loved ones,” David says.
Together, Annie and David exemplify the many ways volunteers strengthen Foothills Compassionate Care. As Annie puts it, “I’m not giving of my time to the organization; it’s part of my life. I love the people and being part of a community of fun and giving people.”
