In October 1997, David Goldsmith, Redwood's computer teacher and Applied Technology Department chairperson, decided that he needed a way to raise money for the department's computer programs. He thought that "if I build the store, they will come." He was talking about the students of Redwood High School. So he turned his office into a Mini-Mart. Dave knew that the best way to make money for the students was to have the lowest prices, so he decided to sell items for only 50 cents!
At first the Mini-Mart started off slowly, with only a few items for sale and Dave running the place during his free time. As the months went by and more students "discovered" the Mini-Mart, it began to require a lot more time. That's when Dave began recruiting students to help. Since then many students have flocked to "Dave's" to buy their snacks, and the Computer Department has been able to get a lot of new hardware, software, books, and accessories. During the first few months of operation the Mini-Mart was bringing in a few hundred dollars each month. But after a couple of years the Mini-Mart was selling over 800 items per day and raising thousands of dollars, all of which went directly to support the students.
In February 2001, because of some complaints by teachers of noise in the halls and students being out of their classes, Mr. Goldsmith decided to close the doors of the Mini-Mart forever. Even though the Mini-Mart was open for only three-and-a-half years, in that time it raised over $45 thousand in profits that have been used to help make the Computer Department a better place for Redwood students. And, of course, Dave got his office back and now has a lot more free time!
 In the BEGINNING |
 In the END |
Dave's Mini-Mart was located in Room 277, the Computer Department Office, next to the Pentium III Computer Lab. The Mini-Mart was open every day, all day, from 7:40 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. This allowed students to get snacks throughout the day. The Mini-Mart was staffed almost entirely by students. Some of these students were paid employees who worked during breaks and before and after school. Other students worked as T.A.s for school credits during the class periods. All of them gained valuable work experience and provided a much-needed service for the students of Redwood High School. And everyone remembered the Mini-Mart's philosophy: "Fast, Friendly Service and the Lowest Prices on Campus!"
 1998 |
 2000 |
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 1997 ALL PROCEEDS WENT TO THE COMPUTER DEPARTMENT! |
 2001 |
