Volunteers keep us moving forward  

This is National Volunteer Week and we're celebrating with a loud chorus of praises for our many friendly, reliable and productive volunteers. To date, our team of some 40 regular volunteers have logged in excess of 3,000 hours receiving, sorting, sifting, cleaning, pricing, cleaning, moving, and leading outreach activities ... among other things!

 

We are so happy that you have chosen to donate some of your valuable time and talents to The I.D.E.A. Store. We couldn't do what we do without YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

Of course, we can always use more help. If you'd like to give time and energy to the store, contact Volunteer Coordinator Claire Billing, Claire@the-idea-store.org.  

 

Carmen Ivonne has been an active volunteer at The I.D.E.A. Store for the past year. Originally from Peru, she was drawn to the store after reading about its mission in a newsletter. Prior to joining the crew at the idea store, Carmen volunteered at the Champaign library in the home delivery department.

 

Carmen loves the idea of recycling and reusing, and said both practices have made a huge impact on her life.

 

Since she has a business-education background and experience with computers, Carmen spends much of her time at The I.D.E.A. Store working the front counter and cash register. She also sometimes prices items for sale, and enjoys interacting directly with customers.

 

"Merry Treasures," the holiday DIY bazaar hosted by the store last December, was one of Carmen's store events. She said she especially enjoyed the opportunity to stock up on homemade soaps made by Felice Kaufmann, another volunteer at The I.D.E.A. Store.

 

We're glad to have Carmen as a member of our team of dedicated volunteers. Thanks for your hard work, Carmen!

 

 

By Carol Jo Morgan, MSW, MS Environmental Outreach Coordinator

 

Earth Day is April 22 this year, but for many, all of April is considered Earth Month. In accordance with the designation, caring individuals all around the world are inspired to reduce their personal impacts on natural resources by making changes in their lives. Will you be one of them? Where could you start? Will your choices truly make a difference? 

 

Knowing what motivates you is critical to success in making a change. What are you interested in or curious about?  For example, saving money may be a priority. Perhaps you care that your children and grandchildren will have ready access to clean water and energy resources throughout their lifetimes. I started with water conservation because I learned that Champaign and Urbana's natural water supply, the Mahomet Valley Aquifer, is being depleted faster than it can be recharged. A lower water bill was added incentive.

 

There are more tips and tools than ever to help you take eco-changes. With the focus on water conservation, I identified achievable actions like learning to take shorter, cooler showers supported by a $10 low-flow shower head. No problem! If you practice a habit change several times a day - like turning off water while brushing your teeth or 

Carol Hays made this "prompt" of waterproof craft foam donated to The I.D.E.A. Store.

shaving - it will quickly become routine and you'll 

do it automatically in just a few weeks. I put written reminders at each bathroom and kitchen faucet to slow my water use.

 

Keep the momentum going: make change fun and rewarding. I turned the challenge saving water into a game, complete with pats on the back as I

improved. You and your family could decide

together what you want to accomplish, how to measure the difference you are making, and how to motivate and reward each other. One change at a time, I've made significant reductions in personal water use over 14 years. These days, I build on that success by continuing to reduce contaminants I put into the water by making and using low-impact home and personal care cleansers. 

 

Does one person's eco-action make a difference? It certainly does when added daily to those of millions of others.  That's how you can help make every day Earth Day! For more information and advice, email me at caroljo@the-idea-store.org.

 

Another Jewelry Blowout set for May 5 

 

Get ready, folks. It's almost time for another Jewelry Blowout Sale! The next one takes place Saturday, May 5, during regular Saturday store hours (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) in our classroom area. Volunteer Coordinator Claire Billing, who always logs many hours preparing for and working during the jewelry sales, models some the bling that will be offered this time around.

 

If you've never been to one of our Jewelry Blowout sales, you're in for a treat. And if you have, you know you'll find some real treasures at blowout prices. Of course, we have necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other lovely ready-to-wear embellishments ­- from everyday costume to vintage. But jewelry makers and jewelry repurposers take note: The sale inventory also will include beads, charms and findings.

 

So whether you like finding beautiful bargains to wear as is or if deconstructing and reconstructing your own designs is more you're style, we very likely have something (or some things) for you.

 

Here are a few ideas and tips for how to transform existing jewelry into amazing new designs:

 

Be inspired by this video, which shows how one DIYer does it.

 

And here's another.

 

Valve handles and chain necklaces? Who knew ...

 

You say you're not really that into jewelry? No matter. You don't have to wear it around your neck or dangle it from your ears. Everything you find at the jewelry blowout is fair game for all kinds of other repurposing exercises. For starters, here's an idea to get you started down that path ... it's one that's easy to pin down!

 

The Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation saw a need in the community to accomplish several things: 1.  Support the arts and arts education, 2.  Support environmental education in our communities, 3. Impact the environment by reducing the rate of waste disposal, 4. create a place for everyone to have access to quality materials and 5. Support itself in light of the difficult economic times.  So donate your discards and shop re-use.  Its about making a difference!

 www.cuSchoolsFoundation.org