Delta College
Tier2-5: Sustainable Enterprise

DELTA'S CLOSET
Delta’s Closet, operated as an on-campus retail store, is self-sustained by the greater campus community. Gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories are accepted during regular campus hours. Students may shop for free apparel for such events as scholarship and job interviews and the first days on their new job. Student must provide college ID. Agency referrals for non-Delta students may be considered. Since April 2010, 300+ students have been served. An initial clothing donation of 350 pieces has grown to currently 700 pieces. The Career Closet is a campus Learning lab for students.

Students were instrumental in the project development including those in Merchandise Display (floor plans and set up design), Marketing (promotional materials), Retail (tagging and store management), Buying for Resale (inventory control), Marketing Capstone (web design template to be launched during W’11 semester). They are responsible for the ongoing management of the enterprise including donation inventory and stocking and creating store displays. Students produce a booklet of appropriate dressing tips and they curate an annual fashion show ‘Dressing for Success’ to educate and promote the retail service.

This student-run enterprise was initially funded by a college-issued Innovation Incubator grant. Surplus fixtures from another campus project were used to design the store.

Director: Lori Ziolkowski, Instructor, Business Mgmt, 989-686-9384, lorizioldowski@delta.edu

STUDENT FOOD PANTRY
Obtaining an adequate food supply is often a major component of student’s financial stress. Increasing economic difficulty for Delta College students prompted the idea for a campus Student Food Pantry. The pantry, which originated from a Learning Communities class project, is now a successful student-run enterprise.

Students were instrumental in the project development including brochure artwork, creation of the intake form and tracking databases, drafting policy and procedure, and designing the pantry. They are responsible for conducting student intakes, managing donations, developing nutritional recipes, researching legal issues, and incorporating sustainable standards.

The Food Pantry is self-sustained by the greater campus community. Non-perishable/non-glass/no expiration food items, gift cards to local grocers, or tax deductible monetary donations are accepted during regular campus hours. Students may access the pantry up to three times per month to fill one grocer bag. Students in immediate need of a complete daily meal may select five ready-to-eat items and a beverage. A student ID and proof of current semester enrollment is required. As of Nov 2010, over 1,700 lbs of food has been donated and 50+ students have utilized the service.

Director: Sharon Lindhorst-Everhardt, Ph.D, 989-686-9506, sharoneverhardt@delta.edu
Co-Director (Student Assistant): Tara Cobb, taracobb@delta.edu
General Operations: Student volunteers

Delta's Closet - Submission information based on interview with Lori Ziolkowski, Instructor, Business Mgmt, 989-686-9384, lorizioldowski@delta.edu

Food Pantry - Submission information based on interview with Sharon Lindhorst-Everhardt, Ph.D, 989-686-9506, sharoneverhardt@delta.edu