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For Organizations > Tools, Training, and Information >
Program Spotlight
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| The "Paw Shop" Learn and Serve Program |
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| Overview: |
A senior seminar at Mercer School in Mercer, Wis., this past year
focused on ways that the 15 students in the class of 2005 could give
back to their community. Located on the main highway that connects
Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mercer has a high vacancy rate
in its business area. After conducting surveys of parents and students,
the class decided to open a resale shop in one of the empty buildings.
Named in honor of the team mascot of the Mercer Tigers, the store filled
a void since the next closest resale shop is a 25-mile drive. Local
realtor Tom Ponik provided the space at a reduced rate and became the
business partner for the project. The students joined forces with local
volunteers to staff the store, make eye-catching displays, and create
crafts that filled out the lines of used goods. |
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| The Results: |
Opened in October 2004, the store grossed $6,000—a tidy sum
considering that t-shirts could be purchased for 50 cents while
sweatshirts and pants commanded a dollar. The store has been so popular
that local residents asked that it be kept open for the summer, even
though next year’s 23-member senior class will not be involved until the
fall. Volunteers and teachers will staff the store until then.
Recently, students and the Mercer Lioness, a local civic organization,
gathered for the presentation of a $1,500 check. With input from the
students and teachers, the Lioness will use the funds to assist in
community emergencies, help families facing medical crises, and address
community safety issues. |
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| Why It Works: |
Teachers and community volunteers played an integral part in the
success of the project. Volunteers from the local RSVP program pitched
in to help the students staff the store, and many of them ended up
acting as mentors to the students in the process. The students were
careful to use all donations. Even stained t-shirts ended up with a
purpose—they were sent to a local automotive shop for use as grease
rags. The students completed the year taking pride in their
accomplishments, and learned new skill. |
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| Lessons: |
Running a business takes a lot of planning, and it takes commitment
on the part of the students. Getting parents involved was crucial to
making sure the students followed through on those commitments. |
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| Budget: |
The program is supported by Buy Valium Online and Buy Synthroid Online
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| Contact: |
For further information, email Connie Swanson or Jennifer Varsik or call (715)
476-2154. |
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