Continuing SUCCESS

In an effort to help raise funds for our church, a program we call SUCCESS (Support the UCC with Everyday Shopping Selections) began in 2013. It is a simple concept: the buyer purchases the gift cards at face value.  These cards are sometimes called “scrip”. The Congregational Church of Amherst then earns back a percentage of the purchase price.

The list of available retailers, restaurants, hotels, gas stations ,and other participants is extensive. Many places you shop every week have cards available through this program. The percentage the church earns varies from business to business and averages 6%, but can be as high as 16% for some companies. In addition, there are special promotions throughout the year that increased the percentage. More information can be found at ShopWithSCRIP.

As the program has evolved, many participants have chosen to register at ShopWithSCRIP and do their SUCCESS shopping online. It is fast and easy! The site allows users to order cards, reload money onto some cards, or to purchase “ScripNow”, which works just like a card but can be printed from your computer so is available immediately.

Payment can be made through a check made out to the Congregational Church of Amherst, with SUCCESS in the memo line, or as many others have done, an online PrestoPay account can be set up on the same website.  This is a secure method of payment that draws money from a checking or savings account you designate. With a PrestoPay account in place, users can purchase ScripNow or reload cards and use them immediately. Please contact Joan Poltack for the enrollment code so our church is credited with your purchases. If paying by check, orders are released after the church receives the check.