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| COS Auxiliary Foundation |
COS
Eagles Nest Shop
225 Main Street, Weed
Volunteer Coordinator: Angel
Fisher
Phone: 530/ 938-4663
Fax: 530/ 938-5570
Store Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays , 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Monthly
Sales, Friendly Staff, Free Parking, and Lots of Great Merchandise.
Donations are accepted.
Send comments or inquiries regarding
this page to fisher@siskiyous.edu
THE
EAGLE’S NEST
IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY
Throughout the fall of 1997 the
College of the Siskiyous Auxiliary Foundation and a group of volunteers
from Mt. Shasta, Weed, Yreka and Lake Shastina came together with a mission
of the heart to help students stay in school and to prepare to enter the
work force. Often students
who have completed their studies are not financially able to purchase
clothing to attend interviews or to purchase needed workplace clothing.
The Foundation wanted to open a
quality used clothing shop that would provide this service to the students
and help students to stay in school, economically care for their families
and their personal needs, as they prepare to enter the job market. They
knew they could help students by providing low-cost; quality used clothing
for all ages
To get the project up and running
they started by soliciting volunteer staff, looking for shop managers,
gathering equipment, used clothing, and merchandise.
Peggy Greenland had previously owned
a gift shop in Danville, California; worked for Lobe Valesco’s fine
jewelry store; and had spent many years as a merchandiser for a Macy’s
Department Store in the Bay Area. Gene Greenland had managed a number
of retail firms both in and out of California.
Both had recently retired and decided to focus their energy and
time on community service. Just
prior to taking on the Eagle’s Nest Project, Peggy Greenland voluntarily
managed the Mt. Shasta Mercy Hospital Gift Shop.
The task of building the shop was
no small endeavor. In the very beginning there was neither staff nor equipment.
Just a dream. If it had not been for Greenland’s sheer determination,
and the wealth of experience they shared with the volunteer staff that
came from the local community, the Eagle’s Nest Shop simply would
not have happened.
Many of the volunteers are retired
seniors, all of whom brought a wide array of expertise and experience.
They also shared the same mission and vision – helping
others succeed.
After the staffing had been completed,
letters went out to the local communities asking for donations of equipment
and merchandise. The outpouring
of help was incredible. In
came shelving, racks, telephones, irons and ironing boards, clothing and
merchandise.
Once the shop was up and running,
new volunteers were gradually added to help the staff.
These volunteers included community members who needed to do community
service work, and others working under the new Federal Work Program called
CalWORKS, along with college students working for work experience credit.
From August through November, the
volunteers worked to ready the shop to open by December 1, 1997.
The staff received hands-on training from the Greenlands in all
areas connected to the operation of a retail business.
This included training in clothing preparation, janitorial needs,
decorating the shop for all seasonal holidays, telephone etiquette, customer
service, and learning how to run an obstinate cash register.
Right on target, the Eagle’s
Nest opened its doors to customers on December 1, 1997. And, customers
there were….a long, long line of customers.
It was apparent that the students and community had awaited the
grand opening.
Needless the say the Greenlands
and the volunteers have continued to truly give from their hearts. The volunteer staff is a vital part of the daily operations
of the shop. The shop operates under the same guidelines as any other
retail business.
The staff provides hands-on, heart-to-heart
mentorship to the students, community service workers and CalWORKS employees.
The shop is a laboratory for students who work there. The staff role models and teaches transferable workplace skills
that can provide employment opportunities in the workforce.
Good work skills are demonstrated and expected including, communication,
organization, action-oriented motivation, a positive attitude, teamwork,
customer service above self, and problem solving skills, are only a few
of the outstanding attributes included in the training.
The Eagle’s Nest is a friend
and a good neighbor to the community. Prices in the shop range anywhere
from 25-cents to $7 for a full-suit.
However, the staff sees it as part of their mission to provide
free clothing to any child who needs a coat.
Clothing and household merchandise are also provided in cases where
tragedy, such as a fire, may have left families without clothing or household
items.
Dependability and a reputation for
quality have brought the Shop partnerships for clothing with a number
of county agencies as well.
“Every single day I learn something
new. Sometimes those things are quite heartbreaking.
However, I cannot tell you how personally rewarding it is, when
you are able to reach out and help someone. Sometimes customers come in
whose needs are such that we can provide clothing or merchandise that
immediately improves the quality of their life.
Making their world a little easier, erasing some of the worry,
extending caring hands, seeing a little-one smile…. Those kinds of
rewards cannot be bought. Our
Shop is not about reading a profit sheet, nor intended for great financial
returns, it is about caring for people.” Said Mrs. Greenland.
“In my professional life, I
never planned, or even imagined, managing a thrift store.
Nor did I ever realize the importance of these kinds of stores.
The many rewards that I personally receive, and those my staff
have shared with me, in being able to help others, are immeasurable,”
continued Greenland.
The communities of Siskiyou County
are very supportive. Many
times the word goes out, that the Eagle’s Nest is in need
of coats, or running low
on children’s clothing, in need of…. whatever, and soon donations
begin to arrive. Most donations are clean and in good repair. Any of the donations that are not appropriate for the shop
do not go unused. Those items
are stored. Then they are
picked up by a company located in Medford, Oregon and packed for shipment
to third world countries.
“It is very gratifying to be
able to help train students
for employment. When our
staff leave here, they take with them employable workplace skills,”
shared Gene Greenland. "Here
in Siskiyou County there are many convenience stores, small restaurants
and motels, and other hospitality related businesses where they can find
jobs.
"Sometimes as first-time employees,
when they land that first job, they don't have the clothing they need.
The clothing they buy here helps to build their self-esteem because
when they go to work they have the correct apparel.
They are wearing the same
workplace clothing that their new peers
wear to work. I believe
we help to jump start their career, from mentorship, hands on training,
to clothing. We work to instill
confidence and pride. As the manager, I can’t imagine giving any
less,” added Peggy Greenland.
After visiting with the staff at
the shop, I stop by the sorting
room to say good day, and in the back room are volunteers sorting clothing
and chatting with one another; out front staff are welcoming customers
with a smile. As I walk out
into the afternoon sun, I can’t help but be thankful for the Eagle’s
Nest and to the staff who have made it all possible.
Editors Note: The Eagle’s
Nest is located at 225 Main Street in Weed
The shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Donations are always appreciated, and are also tax deductible.
They are accepted during regular business hours.
For special arrangements call the Foundation Office at 938-5373.
We welcome volunteers, please come by the Shop and meet Angel and
the staff, and see what we are all about!
and COS Foundation
Send
comments or inquiries regarding this page to fisher@siskiyous.edu
About
the Eagles
Nest
College Foundation Thrift Shop
“In the Spirit of Helping Men & Women”
The College Foundation Thrift Shop (CFTS) is under the direction of the College of the Siskiyous Foundation Board. It is a non-profit, licensed foundation, whose mission is to support and provide services for student centered needs and activities.
The Eagles Nest College Foundation Thrift Shop as a non-profit agency, is completely staffed by community volunteers. All donations are used to help support the clothing and household needs of students and their families who often live on a very limited income and/or funds while completing their education. The Shop gladly accepts donations of clean clothing, in good repair, small working appliances, baby and children’s clothing, and some furniture. The Eagles Nest welcomes all customers and invites the community to shop in the Thrift Shop.
The Foundation strives to help the College meet the needs of all students, help with the renovation of buildings, and provide educational materials for students. The Foundation also supports and hosts a number of special events for the community, including the College’s Performing Arts Series, the summer-long Farmer’s Market, the annual Golf Tournament, the annual Country Christmas Craft Fair, the bi-annual dinner auction, and other special events to raise money in support of student centered activities.
Your donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Shopping with us will provide you with quality used clothing, a great shopping experience, and an opportunity to help others. We invite you to visit the Eagles Nest.
Your contributions are indeed from the heart.
Send comments
or inquiries regarding this page to fisher@siskiyous.edu
THE
EAGLES
NEST
COLLEGE FOUNDATION THRIFT SHOP
The College Foundation Thrift Shop opened its doors in the fall of 1997. Other than the Foundation’s annual special events it is the Foundation’s largest source of support. The Shop’s success is due to the well-trained, dedicated volunteers and the community’s generous contribution of merchandise to sell.
Our
Goal
-
To increase awareness of the COS Foundation and its support of the College’s programs and services.
-
To offer our students and customers quality clothing at reasonable prices and a pleasant shopping experience.
-
To help students and customers find quality used professional clothing as they enter the job market.
- To meet and work together with interesting people for a good cause.
Send comments or inquiries regarding this page to fisher@siskiyous.edu
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