Going back to work
SCRAP Humboldt is offering online shopping and curbside pickup
After temporarily closing amid the coronavirus health crisis, SCRAP Humboldt in Arcata is back up and running — with some modifications.
“Being in the creative reuse business, we’re used to making the best out of what we got, and we know you are, too,” said SCRAP Humboldt Director Kati Texas.
Currently, SCRAP is open for next-day curbside pickup on online orders. The online store is located at https:// scrap-humboldt.square.site/s/ shop?mc_cid=081244312a&mc_ eid=03d0ab6a4f. There’s also a direct link on SCRAP’s website, https://humboldt.scrapcreativereuse.org.
“I and my staff are all pretty passionate about the SCRAP mission, so we’re pretty happy to be back to work. We’re also folks who thrive on creative problem-solving, so everyone is really engaged, and bringing new skills to our new situation,” Texas said in an email interview with the Times-Standard.
She added: “We’re working on the next phase, but for now, we’re trying to help people treasure hunt via phone, social media and our online store. We’re posting daily about interesting things for sale. People can order online or over the phone, then we’re doing deliveries, or people can grab their stuff at the pickup window the next day we are open … though, until business picks up, we’re mostly able to pack orders, and have them ready right away. We’re also offering a 20-minute ‘Virtual Treasure Hunt’ where we will video call a customer, and show them around what we have to offer. (It’s $25 for 20 minutes, and comes with $20 worth of store credit.) We’ve had a few people opt for this when they wanted to peruse our eclectic selection of fabrics.”
SCRAP Humboldt is also planning to offer online workshops.
“Our educator is working right now on her first virtual workshop,” Texas said. “We’re hoping to do small-group classes via video conference call, so people can still get one-on-one instruction. SCRAP will provide materials in the form of pre-made class kits, which can be picked up at the store, or delivered for a small fee. We’re also filming a series of demonstration videos for our more free form products like our robot and monster kits. People can find those on our social media pages.”
As of yet, Texas says there’s no word on when SCRAP Humboldt will open its doors to the public for in-person shopping. “Just as soon as we can,” Texas said. “SCRAP Humboldt is dedicated to providing affordable creative opportunities to our community while diverting materials from the waste stream. We can’t wait to get back to full steam, but it takes time to do things safely.
“Fortunately,” she said, “SCRAP Humboldt’s home in the Marsh Commons is fairly spacious. We anticipate having little trouble spreading people out and limiting the number of people inside while still allowing our fans to take their time finding inspiration. In-person classes and camps will be more complicated, so we’re holding off on those for now.”
Currently, SCRAP Humboldt isn’t able to take donations, but hopes to get that part of its operation in place soon as well.
“Accepting material donations is such a huge part of what SCRAP does,” Texas said. “We thrive as a conduit in the great, cool stuff continuum. It’s kind of our whole thing, so you have to know that we will get back to it as soon as we possibly can … hopefully in the next phase of our opening up to the public at the beginning of July. I can’t set a date for accepting stuff or letting people inside just yet though, as we are not only trying to do what’s right by our staff and community, but also working in cooperation with our national network.”
For more information about SCRAP Humboldt call and leave a message at 707-822-2452 or go to https://humboldt.scrapcreativereuse.org.