The 3/50 project

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Updated: January 3, 2012 8:40AM

As with many small businesses, the past few years have proved challenging for the Becky and Me toy stores.

The Seberts are big supporters of the 3/50 project that promotes shopping three independent stores and spending $50 each month.

“If you shop local, a lot more money comes back to town,” Becky Sebert said.

According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independent stores, $68 is returned to the community in taxes, payroll and other expenses, while only $43 comes back from purchases made to national chains. And of course none is returned to the community in online purchases.

— Carol Goddard