Tue Feb 09 2010
Want to get rid of some unwanted stuff? Support a good cause?
The Frankfort Christian Academy can help.
TFCA is using the online auction Web site eBay to help people clear out clutter as well as raise funds for tuition assistance for students.
The program was launched in the spring and has raised more than $1,200, Headmaster Robert Roach says. He said 100 percent of the net proceeds from online sales go to tuition assistance.
Roach said TFCA parents sparked the idea for the eBay fund-raiser.
"Over the years parents have asked us if we would be interested in eBay assistance to raise money," he said.
Roach said he approached Rob Catron, a self-described full-time e-Bayer and fellow church member, and asked Catron if he would be willing to assist the school in its eBay endeavor. Catron agreed and drew up an eBay fund-raising plan, which the school's board of directors approved.
Catron acts as eBay consultant. He controls the school's page on the Web site, sorts, cleans and tests items for auction, takes photos for the Web site and packs and ships sold items all from TFCA's campus.
"The goal is to have the school not have to do anything," Catron said.
He said computer parts and antiques are among the most popular items on the site, but the school accepts a variety of wares.
"(We sell) generally anything someone has that they think a group of people would be interested in," Catron said.
Roach said he is hoping the operation will expand beyond TFCA families to the entire community.
Roach said he knows of churches that use eBay to raise money, but hasn't heard of many schools that use the online site. He said in addition to tuition funds, he hopes the site will bring publicity to TFCA.
"It's another way to get the name of the school out," he said.
The goal is to use eBay to generate $63,000 for the 2007-2008 school year to help 15 to 20 families with tuition, which costs $4,300 annually, Roach said. He said some families include more than one student.
Roach said the drop-off system, located at the purple double doors in front of the school's atrium, is similar to Goodwill or The Salvation Army. People can bring items to the school during drop-off hours.
Catron said TFCA accepts donations of items Goodwill and The Salvation Army will not, such as vintage computer equipment.
He said receipts are available for claims of charitable donations on taxes.
For those wanting to buy from TFCA, items may be shipped globally, or local buyers can pick up their item at the school to save shipping costs and time, Catron said.
"People locally can purchase stuff," Catron said. "I'm marketing it as an online flea market."
Catron said eBay buyer feedback is favorable and that off-line many are commending the school's fund-raising effort.
"We're getting a positive vibe from it," he said.
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