In a budget where every penny counts—now more than ever—officials at Mathews County Public Schools are especially thankful for the success of the Thrifty Spot, the on-site job training program for students with special needs.

Not only has the shop become a great place for students with disabilities to learn valuable vocational skills, it has proven to be a bit of a money maker as well.

Located in Hudgins at the corner of Buckley Hall and Cricket Hill roads, the site more than pays for itself, and is even being used to fund the purchase of some of the instructional materials for the division.

Through the sale of donated clothes, books and other items, the Thrifty Spot is earning between $40,000 and $60,000 a year, Superintendent of Schools David J. Holleran told school board members on Jan. 17. Students are paid for their work—$12,000 a year, plus FICA and Medicare payments—but even after taking this out, the program is still very much in the black. "...