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Downtowns and schools are perhaps the greatest physical embodiment of a sense of community any town has. The South Carolina Downtown Development Association and the South Carolina Department of Education are partners in using these two identifiers to help build a stronger sense of community. SCANA Corporation is assisting the effort by serving on a steering committee and providing incentive grants to the communities. Five towns in 1995 and eight in 1996 are developing projects that bring renewed support for the schools from downtown and vice versa. The projects allow students to apply their school skills in real life situations. At the same time it brings the energy and enthusiasm of our youth to the community's center.
Andrews, South Carolina, one of the eight participating towns in this dynamic project, is a joint effort of the Andrews Revitalization Association, Andrews High School, the Town of Andrews, and the Andrews Rotary Club. Our entry in this project is a thrift store located in the downtown area that sells donated items and items made by students and individuals from within our community. The Rummage Room provides on-the-job training and practical applications of classroom knowledge for students as well as volunteer opportunites that promote civic involvement and fulfill a special need for the entire community.
The instructors at Andrews High School are facilitating the development of the appropriate student skills to help with the operation, maintenance, and marketing of inventory for the thrift shop. The various educational departments are involved in providing merchandise for sale; the Clothing Design Department makes pillows, T-shirts, placemats, dickies, vests, aprons, etc.; the Marketing and Accounting Department students design advertising and maintain financial records; the Agricultural Department contributes plants raised in their greenhouses; the Welding and Small Engine Repair Department reconditions and repairs donated items; and the Arts Department provides signage and displays artwork for sale.
Participation in this project is helping students develop a sense of community and citzenship. Students are realizing the importance of remaining in their community and giving of their time to help make it a better place.
In the era of the "Super Store," which tends to decentralize communities, the Rummage Room will help students realize that shops which provide specialized merchandise or services help to develop and maintain the economic viability of a downtown area.