| Last updated on June 16, 2008 |
 Searching for unique gift ideas? Want to give unique and elegant gifts with a story and a message--and help out school kids and the environment at the same time? We have a wonderful and exciting program which is beginning to provide much-needed income for our school. It is very unique, and combines many of our ideas in one project. We make handmade paper from recycled waste paper: construction paper and other donated scraps. We then turn this trash into treasure, using this beautiful handmade paper for greeting cards, bookmarks, miniature gift bags, ornaments, gift tags, and wrappers for our latest venture: handmade soap! Our paper has been used for wedding invitations, corporate executive notes, and even menu covers at one fancy restaurant! We have several spas and shops helping us in the project, and we have been seen on TV in the WGBH auction! We need people to help spread the word. [Scroll down to see how you can buy some for yourself!]
Increasing fundraising from these projects would take enormous pressure off our budget and provide us with steady income to enhance our programs. Of course, we are educators, not marketers, and we would love a volunteer or two to help us in this regard. The products really are attractive--the project really does sell itself with enough exposure. We just don't have the time to get out and show samples to people, follow up on web contacts, etc. Several high-end gift shops give us a great boost by turning over most or even all of the proceeds, so we have been blessed so far. Email information@greenhouseschool.org to participate. A small catalogue is available by email and will be up on the website soon.
Your enthusiasm can really help us. Even showing them to friends, family and contacts would be a great help! It's a great recycling, fundraising, and art project all in one--volunteers with more time and ambition can seek out new outlets for us.
For those interested in ordering, please see greenhouseschool.org (link below). Friends can always help by buying some for their own use or for gifts. We can also send you digital photos so you can get an idea of what the products look like. The soaps are $5 apiece, the cards $12 for a 5-pack or $3.50 apiece. Mini-bags vary with several sizes available. Shop owners please ask for a sample pack if you want to check it out.
PLEASE VISIT OUR AGENCY LISTING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SCHOOL (click on the link to The Greenhouse School at the end of this section). For enrollment application or other info not available here, please contact the school directly through the contact information below.
Volunteers just have to be excited about the project. Nothing is easier than talking up something you like to family, friends, etc. If you want to approach shops, you should have a sales-friendly personality--or at least be willing to try. Since you would be representing the school, you would have to have some knowledge of the program and be able to present it professionally and responsibly, but that's fairly easily done. You can also help us a lot simply by posting a link to this page on your site, and/or forwarding it to those who might be interested. This opportunity is sponsored by: The Greenhouse School
We need volunteers who are free at these times
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| Occasional |
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This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers
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| Individual |
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Contact Person:
Julia Nambalirwa-Lugudde, Assistant Director, (phone)
Address:
Directions:
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By public transportation: Take the 455 bus from Haymarket; the bus stops directly in front of the school.
By car: We are located at 145 Loring Avenue (Route 1A). From the North, take 114 East through Salem, then turn right at Salem State College onto 1A South (Loring Avenue). Continue South through a major intersection (Canal, Loring & Jefferson). Bear left--stay on Loring, and school is in greenhouse building apx. 200 yds ahead on left. From South, take Route 1 to Rte 16 to 1A North. 1A turns into Loring Avenue in Salem. After Salem State South Campus, school is apx. 1/4 mile ahead on right.
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Commuter Rail--Salem Depot,
Walk distance (in minutes): 20
Nearest Bus Stop: #455 from Haymarket, 0 minute walk
For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com |
Web Site: http://www.greenhouseschool.org
Miscellaneous Information
| Does this opportunity serve youth in After-School programs? |
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Yes
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| Is this opportunity available to youth ages 12-17, unaccompanied by an adult? |
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No
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| Would this opportunity be appropriate for corporate groups? |
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Yes
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| Please Choose an Impact Area |
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Young Children (Ages 0-5), Youth (Ages 6-17)
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Volunteer Reflections
Post Your Own!
Average Rating (5 reflections) 
Overall Experience
Satisfying; it was time well spent.
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We felt that our time spent volunteering at the Greenhouse School on Saturday morning was helpful and greatly appreciated.
posted by Kiwistars on March 3, 2003 |
Overall Experience
An enjoyable day participating in the activities of the Greenhouse School
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Celebrating the Gandhi Day of Service, a day where 11 Asha-MIT volunteers participated in community service, we went to the Greenhouse school on Oct. 5th for a day. It was an interesting day for us to learn about this private school that provides opportunities for children of the working class of Salem/Lynn. We were involved in painting activities, making paper products and selling t-shirts.
Asha volunteers are involved in the field of education in India, and the Greenhouse school gave us a better understanding about the working environment of alternative schools, which cater to the not-so-wealthy.
We all enjoyed our day at the Greenhouse school, and felt good to be part of the school for a day. Dan and Julia welcomed us in the morning, and after talking to us about the school, gave us our tasks to make the day productive. We were quite satisfied with our day and effort.
We all enjoyed our day at the Greenhouse school, and felt good to be part of the school for a day. Dan and Julia welcomed us in the morning, and after talking to us about the school, gave us our tasks to make the day productive. We were quite satisfied with our day and effort.
posted on October 11, 2002 |
Overall Experience
It's nice to see people taking enormous pride in what they do.
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I had an excellent experience. I would strongly recommend it. They have an very fun, hardworking staff. One of the most enjoyable days I've had in a long time made even better by knowing that what I'm doing is making a contribution.
posted on December 15, 2001 |
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