Need nail polish? Searching for shoes? Want a water bottle? Look no further than the Thrift Store at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School.
The science lab turned shop, operated by seventh-grade teacher Cheryl Backman, was open for the first time this academic year on Wednesday during the school’s Teen Night. It offers a variety of goods - necessities like clothing and personal care items but also fun items like games and cell phone cases - all donated by the Myers community.
“I think that people like to know that their unwanted but quality items are staying here and benefitting our students,” explains Backman, who took over the Thrift Store six years ago and expanded it from just clothing to any and everything that a middle schooler might want (or need).
All items in Room 238 costs one Falcon dollar, the school “currency” that students earn during the year by working hard and receiving good grades, exhibiting kindness and demonstrating positive and respectful behavior. Students can purchase items for themselves or their families. Last year, a now eighth-grader was able to surprise his mother with a toaster.
“During the holidays, I set up a wrapping station so that students can wrap items to give as gifts.”
Currently the Myers Thrift Store is only open 2-3 times year. Setting up and breaking down the store is a lot of work - work that Myers Allies (a club that advocates for and supports the school’s LGBTQ students) did Wednesday to prepare for their peers and Teen Night - but the ultimate goal is that the Thrift Store be open once a week during the school day to better serve students’ needs.
“I would love to have a designated space within the building,” adds Backman.
If you have items that you’d like to contribute, please contact Backman at cbackman@albany.k12.ny.us.
The Thrift Store will open again in March, when Myers hosts its second Teen Night.
