The public will find plenty of bargains when Barton Community College’s Educational Opportunity Center Trio and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program hold a fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, in the BCC Student Union.
The sale will include more than 1,000 products for women, men and children such as fashion and seasonal accessories, jewelry, gadgets and gifts. The items are name-brand products at factory direct prices, sponsors said. Most items are $6.
Director of the Educational Opportunity Center TRIO Programs Susie Burt said it’s an ideal time to host a fundraiser that offers such a diverse selection of products. “It’s right before Mother’s Day, graduation and Father’s Day, and there is a huge variety of things for men and women, so it’s really a great place for anyone to come and shop around.”
The money will be used to raise general funding for TRIO Programs and the RSVP.
TRIO programs provide free services focusing on individual assistance in the areas of GED placement, career planning, training and education choices, financial aid, admission processes and financial literacy.
“These programs are designed to help low-income students,” Burt said. “They are very important because everyone should be afforded the opportunity to obtain an education.”
RSVP is a nationwide network of persons 55 years of age and older, who work as volunteers assisting with services such as Meals on Wheels and food banks.
RSVP Director Donna Baugh said the contributions made by the volunteers are significant.
“We have about 450 members in Barton county and what they do is just tremendous,” Baugh said. “The time and talent that they give to the community helps make life better for people in Barton county. Just about everywhere you look there is an RSVP member helping out.”
Baugh said RSVP benefits the volunteers as well.
“If you’re engaged in life it allows you to keep your mind and body active,” she said. “It’s been demonstrated through a number of studies that volunteerism helps the volunteer as much as the group that is receiving the benefits of their time and talents.”
Cash and most major credit and debit cards will be accepted.