Thrift shopping is pretty popular at TCNJ, and it’s about to get even bigger. Katie Kahn, junior Fine Arts major, is leading Bonner in helping the Rescue Mission of Trenton while making thrifting easier on campus.
Katie was a representative on the Bonner assembly for the previous two years, serving as a liaison between Bonner scholars and staff on such things as policy and judicial issues. “I had been involved with a lot of community service in high school, and wanted to do even more when I got to college,” Katie said.
In addition to serving at an after school program and helping to plan and run CEL days for youth development, Katie is currently leading the Thrift Project Team. “The Thrift Project is an amazing initiative that was started last year,” she says. “As a team, we work to raise money for the Rescue Mission of Trenton,” which has a thrift shop of its own to raise funds for its programs.
“We know that TCNJ students don’t always have the means to go to off campus locations for their shopping needs,” Katie says. So twice a semester, Bonner’s Thrift Project takes donations from the campus community, as well as fashionable items from the Rescue Mission’s own store, and host a “Pop Up Shoppe” in the Brower Student Center.
The first “Pop Up Shoppe” of the year will be on Wednesday, October 23, in the Student Center from 11:00am until 2:30pm. “We hope that having the sale before Halloween will encourage students to come out and look not only for fashionable items, but also quirky ones that could work at a costume party!” Katie says.
All merchandise is sold at thrift-store prices, and all proceeds go to the Rescue Mission. “Definitely look out for the photoshoot showcasing the items that will be sold in October. We’ve got lots of pretty people ready to rock our merchandise, and this is the best way to see all we have to offer!”
Katie also serves with Bonner at the Academic Sports Academy once a week, working with elementary and middle school students to combine academic support with athletic involvement. “It is so much fun,” Katie shares; “We are always looking for more volunteers, because the kids love new faces (and our kickball teams would be better with more college students).” If you are interested in volunteering with Bonner at any of their sites, you can contact the Bonner Center via email at boncel@tcnj.edu or visit them on the third floor of Forcina Hall.
Besides being a Bonner, Katie is co-president of I-Tunes A Cappella and an Ambassador. On being a Lion, Katie says, “TCNJ is such a friendly campus, and the positivity and passion I am surrounded by keeps me motivated in my studies and service.”