What: Material Resource Center
Where: 2111 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma
materialresourcecenter.org
Why: Fabric remnants, oversize rolls of craft paper, feathers, mat boards ... you never know what's in store at Material Resource Center, but they're always selling it for next to nothing. The Ronkonkoma nonprofit specializes in repurposing all kinds of supplies that companies would otherwise be throwing out. But don't think that means this isn't stuff you'd want - it's perfect for crafting, especially with kids.
Everything is sold by the pound - paper for finger-painting and coloring is $1, while glitter, sequins, giant rolls of stickers and buttons are $4 to $5 a pound. Frequent shoppers can buy individual or group memberships ($15 to $100 for six months, depending on size) that entitle them to buy everything at 50 percent off. The center also maintains relationships with several school districts.
On a recent trip, I picked up a bag full of oversize vintage spools of rayon thread in several colors--which I'll pile in glass jars for decoration in my craft room-- as well as larger hard plastic spools that seem just right for winding and displaying ribbon that's too pretty to tuck away in a box. The lot weighed just over four pounds cost about $9.
Comments (1)
I have been shopping the MRC for years and personally consider them one of the NY area's best kept crafting secrets. Thanks again for giving them a little of the great press they deserve!