Story by Abby Taylor
April 24, 2025
Meet Carlos Ostia, a former MCC Thrift volunteer whose time at the Blackstone shop in Fresno, California, sparked a remarkable creative journey. At 65, Carlos blends a lifelong love of painting with a deep compassion for people, channeling his volunteer experiences into powerful works of art. His story is a beautiful reminder that even the simplest acts of service can inspire something lasting.
Carlos has been painting since his high school days. Though life has always been full, he still finds about four hours a week to nurture his craft. In recent years, Carlos has also found time to volunteer at Thrift on Blackstone. That experience left a lasting impression and deeply influenced his creative work in unexpected ways.
During his time volunteering he has worked in both the clothing department and cleaning and organizing shoes — a task he found surprisingly satisfying. “I loved working with things that still had life in them,” he shared. For him, the act of giving gently used items a second chance wasn’t just practical, it was poetic. That perspective inspired his first painting: a heartfelt tribute to the Blackstone shop itself, capturing its spirit and the quiet beauty of purposeful work.
His second painting took a more symbolic turn. Inspired by MCC Thrift’s mission to serve those in need, Carlos created a scene of an individual helping a person experiencing homelessness. In the background, subtle imagery of Christ and the MCC Thrift shop quietly underscores the compassion and hope he witnessed during his time as a volunteer.
The idea came to him after seeing online photos of people helping others in need — images that echoed the generosity he experienced firsthand at MCC Thrift.
For Carlos, volunteering was never just about sorting donations. It was about relationships, dignity and care. “They were the most caring, loving people,” he said. His time with staff and fellow volunteers opened his eyes to new perspectives and reminded him of the goodness that exists when people come together with open hearts.
His paintings now serve as visual reminders — both to himself and others — to have compassion, look out for one another and recognize the quiet yet powerful ways we can serve our communities.
We’re so grateful for volunteers like Carlos who give their time, creativity and heart to MCC Thrift. Their stories remind us that thrift is more than just things — it’s about connection, purpose and doing good together.