ATTIC Treasures turned to social media when COVID-related school closings prompted a dramatic decrease in the number of scholarship applications.
The nonprofit volunteer-run thrift store’s mission is to invest its proceeds back into the local community. It donates funds to kids’ programs, charities and schools. As part of its community effort, the thrift store awards 10 scholarships annually. Since 2008, the organization has depended on shoppers and guidance counselors to spread the word about the application process, according to Vice President Loreen Reynolds.
Last year, COVID-related school closings and a decrease in shoppers hampered the nonprofit’s usual technique.
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“The word just didn’t get out like it should,” Reynolds said and stated that the organization received only five applications in 2020 compared to an average of 25 in previous years. “That was all because of COVID.”
The pandemic forced the nonprofit to change its strategy. This year, the organization is using its Facebook page to spread awareness. Instead of getting the applications at school, students may obtain them either from the organization’s website or at the store located at 575 W Milledgeville Rd, Harlem.
High school seniors who attend private, public or homeschool programs in McDuffie County, Grovetown, Harlem and Appling are invited to apply. The $1,000 award is good toward any secondary program that furthers the students’ education. The deadline to apply is April 30.
Reynolds credits social media with boosting this year’s response.
“It was just a nightmare with the schools being closed,” she said. “This year our numbers are already up.”
More information is available on the organization’s Facebook page.
Shellie Smitley is a staff writer for The Augusta Press. Reach her at shellie@theaugustapress.com
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