Students find ways to get gift money despite recession

With the gift-giving season approaching, West Virginia University students are finding ways to make ends meet for their family's holiday.

Some students are taking advantage of the academic semester's closing to help bring the holiday cheer to their households.

Junior exercise physiology major Dave Schnell said the Book Exchange would be his first stop for gift money.

"Yeah, I have no money," he said. "I'm probably going to use the money I get from my textbooks."

The pressure of gift buying has caused some students to consider their priorities.

Denise Welage, a junior biology major, said while her first concern is getting a present for her boyfriend, she has not forgotten the rest of her friends and family.

"I actually plan on going home and working," she said. "I'm going to sell my textbooks to buy my boyfriend a gift."

With the current need for fast cash, local businesses are also finding the holiday spirit.

The Westover-based pawn shop, WV Jewelry & Loan LLC, has seen a significant rise in business since the holiday season began, according to employee Greg Morrisom.

"You get that every year at Christmastime," he said.

Morrisom, who also worked at Cashland Pawn Shop, located on Beechurst Avenue, said business from students is most common.

"When I worked downtown, we had students coming in like crazy," he said, "but not really here because we're further from campus."

Morrisom said the value of gold has increased despite the recession, explaining its reoccurrence in pawn shops.

"We have a lot of people selling gold," he said.

Morrisom said the continued state of the economy has resulted in the good fortune of the pawn shop industry.

Some students have also fallen to long-time backers to supply funds for their gift giving.

Freshman biology major Corrine Clayton said her lack of steady income has not stopped her present purchases.

"My mom gives me money," she said. "I don't have a job; I have been saving a little of it."