ACTS offers first scholarship to high school students

Atlantic Community Thrift Shop (ACTS) is making volunteerism the gift the keeps giving. For the first time, ACTS will offer two $2,000 college scholarships to student volunteers.

The application for the scholarships considers a variety of factors, including academics, extracurricular activities and volunteer work.

“We figured it was another way for ACTS to give money to the community,” said Karen Lesperance, president of the board. “We’re just trying to put another thing out there for the kids because the economy is so bad.”

The scholarship requires students to volunteer at least 50 hours at the thrift shop by May 1. That offers students the chance to do some volunteer work, which helps the community, teaches life skills and looks good on a résumé. Plus, ACTS gets some extra help maintaining the shop.

“We’re trying to teach the younger kids that it’s good to help the people in need,” said Lesperance, who noted that ACTS must close periodically due to a lack of volunteers.

ACTS is a volunteer-run thrift shop that donates all profit to the less fortunate, contributing regularly to local food banks, homeless shelters and school groups.

Lesperance said ACTS intends to award at least two scholarships but could give more, depending on student response.

High seniors living in the following postal codes are eligible: 19930, 19939, 19944, 19945, 19967, 19970 and 19975.

Applications are due by April 16 at 11:59 p.m. and will not be considered if received after that deadline. Completed applications should be mailed to Atlantic Community Thrift Shop Inc.; P.O. Box 1520; Ocean View, DE 19970.

The applicants must also provide two recommendations April 1 (one reference will send a letter and another will send a completed form). An official high school transcript is also due by April 1.

A minimum of 50 hours of volunteering at Atlantic Community Thrift Shop is required to be completed by May 1.

For additional information, contact ACTS at (302) 539-3513, or email Catherine Howard at catherinehoward13@yahoo.com.