The little shop around the corner
This treasure store doesn't take U.S. currency, only Blazer Bucks
By Donna Russell, North Lake News-Register Staff Writer
Just around the corner on North Lake College’s Central Campus in room C-206 is a “treasure store”—also known as the Blazer Student Store—that contains all sorts of goodies and fascinating objects.
The store carries basic need items, such as food and clothing, but also provides students with a diverse selection of leisure goods, from candles and pottery to artwork and DVDs.
The idea for the store was born in the hearts and minds of members of the Journalism Club and the News- Register, who were looking for a way to assist students with the high cost of attending school.
“In fall 2002, the News-Register staff and Journalism Club members brainstormed and came up with an idea to ask for donations of food, clothing, housewares and miscellaneous items, and give the items to students by using a play-money system known as Santa Bucks,” said Kathleen Stockmier, adviser to both the Journalism Club and the News-Register at North Lake.
“The Santa Bucks project evolved into the Blazer Student Store, which offers year-round help to everyone.”
All too often, financial struggles related to education, extend far beyond the cost of attendance. “As college students struggle with the high price of books, tuition, gasoline, rent and utilities, it's a nice relief to find a place on campus where there are real bargains,” said Stockmier.
And while the store was initially designed to help those in need, the store is not just for those who are struggling — it’s for everyone. Essentially, it is akin to a thrift store, yet it also offers a food bank, is housed on campus, and only accepts Blazer Bucks as payment for items. Students can bring up to 10 items at a time to trade for Blazer Bucks, which include gently used clothing, jewelry, books, candles, pottery, house-wares, shoes and more.
And if a student has nothing to donate, Blazer Bucks can also be earned from participating instructors or at events, such as the upcoming Welcome Back Party Feb. 1 in the Student Life Center. Or they can buy them in the Cash Office on the fourth floor for $1 dollar each.
Research recently conducted by the U.S. Department of Education in 2011 indicates that the cost of attending a 2-year college institution has increased from $2,230 in 1980 to $8,533 in 2010, and that these costs are continuing to rise!
Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service indicates that the average American’s annual income decreased from $33,400 in 1988 to $33,000 in 2008. What this ultimately means is that the American income is not keeping pace with the rising cost of an education. To that end, the Blazer Store exists to assist students who have to spend the majority of their income on education and have very little left over for basic, fundamental needs. The store is also available to treasure hunters and bargain shoppers looking for unusual items that cannot be found in everyday stores.
If you haven’t yet, you should check out North Lake’s little shop around the corner. The items are always changing and you never know what might be waiting for you on any given day inside. If it’s needs you seek, or even just wants, be sure to pay a visit soon!
You never know what you may find!