But Fullerton's children go to school in Holladay. She had no affiliation with Lincoln before the Loot Store, but realized it would be a better use of her time — as opposed to helping out in her neighborhood school, where "you have to arm-wrestle six other moms to be a room mother." Lincoln doesn't have that kind of support.

Now two years into it, Fullerton said the program has taken on a life of its own. She gets donations from businesses, schools and church groups, and the Loot Store is always full. In the beginning, she funded it by herself and with some thrifty shopping at All-a-Dollar. But now through word of mouth she receives money, donations and volunteers from all over.

"I have a lot of support and would like to expand this into other Title I schools," said Fullerton. "There is no downside to this — the cost is nothing to the school but the space they give me."

With the strength the program has now, Fullerton said she could share with other schools who have the same needs as Lincoln. She just needs bodies and interest to start up more Loot Stores.

She said this is a perfect avenue for people wanting to make an immediate and direct difference in schools. Those interested in volunteering, donating or learning more may e-mail Fullerton at lootstore@comcast.net.

"Come talk to me, I've invented the wheel. It's ready to be implemented," said Fullerton. "I've got it organized, structured, and I have lists of schools with the need."

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com