I came across this website from the Nebraska Studies Organization...
"Recent historical studies indicate that the scrap drives were more
important as morale boosters than in providing essential products for
the war effort. But, the general public did get caught up in the
patriotic enthusiasm."
With gas prices soaring, candidates roaring and a nation torn between war and health care, I wondered what I could do to help boost the public morale and maybe create a little excitement along the way. Well, duh...it was staring me in the face every day! The creeping of gold prices to $1,000.00 per ounce. At Way-Fil we are already letting out clients bring in scrap gold to trade for our goods and services. We simply bagged and tagged their items and sent to our refinery who would send us back a check. Our clients got new jewelry or repairs and we have money coming in. Everyone wins!
Last week a young man came in with his father to see if we could help him. Somehow the lad missed a class he had to have to graduate from ICC and he would have to attend for another semester. He didn't have the money to pay for the semester. His grandfather gave him a heavy gold chain and bracelet to sell for the cause. Since it was for school, (I'm such a soft touch!) I agreed to send his gold along with our client's even though we don't make anything or get anything in return. We'll know next week how much he got. He needed about $700.00. (And maybe he remember us when it's time to get an engagement ring!)
Now, everyone who knows me has heard my mantra about "To whom much is given, much is expected." I have been given the gift of a second life. My "Pet" project (if you'll pardon the pun!) is to build a no-kill animal shelter here in Tupelo. But HOW?
I woke up this morning and realized I had, at my own fingertips, the perfect way to help not just the shelter, but a lot of non profit groups with this simple idea:
Check your jewelry box for pieces of broken chains, old ring mountings and yes, even gold or silver teeth! Look for old metal watch bands, too. We can send silver, gold filled or gold or platinum to the refinery.
When you come in, we'll check to see what metal the items are and weigh them in front of you. All this information goes on your receipt along with the name of the organization you want your proceeds to go to. When the check comes in, we'll make a copy of the the "return" and you can use it for a tax deduction (if your group qualifies). Hey you can even donate to your favorite political candidate this way, too!
I am sooooo excited about this idea. I'm going to work on it a little more and get all my facts checked to make sure that Tupelo can raise the roof on fund raising!!!
We'll talk tomorrow!
Patti