Editor's note: Muncie Origins is a Ball State Daily News series profiling various businesses that originated in Muncie.
Located at 607 E. Charles St. in the historic home of Adam Wolfe, grandfather to Elizabeth Ball, sits a house full of items that are used to give back to the community.
In the house is a local business known as the Bargain Box, which is owned and run by the Alpha Chapter of Psi Iota Xi.
The Box is a thrift store boutique that Julie Herron, President of the Box committee, said has “something for everyone.”
“The Bargain Box is a wonderful shop to have in Muncie, because it provides back to the community in ways that would not be possible without the individuals that come to purchase goods,” said Jacqueline Burton, website administrator for the Bargain Box.
The Box follows the Muncie school district schedule, meaning it is only open from August to May and is closed in the summer.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Items available for purchase include a variety of clothing for any age, gender and size. The Box also offers a 15 percent discount for all Ball State students.
Although the store usually doesn’t carry electronics, shoppers can find other unique and vintage items such as jewelry, household goods and small furniture.
“All of the proceeds go back to the community,” Herron said. “It doesn't go to a CEO so that he can go buy another yacht or something like that, it all goes back to the community.”
Sales from the Box have allowed the chapter of Psi Iota Xi to give over $1 million dollars to the community. Part of that money goes directly to Ball State and funds scholarships in the areas of art, music, language, speech and hearing and financial need.
The Box has recently tried to “keep up with the times” and created a Facebook page and website for customers to shop online, Herron said.
Customers can also donate to the Box by filling out a simple form found on their website.
Burton said what keeps people coming to the Box is the “unique” and “eclectic” items anyone can find. She calls it a “treasure hunt,” one she is sure people will want to keep hunting through.
“You never know what you’ll find at the Box,” Burton said.
Contact Justice Amick with comments at jramick@bsu.edu.
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