Welcome to the Virtual Mac Community Trade Center, a collaborative project by Team Jachris - Christian Lentz, Jacob Hellenbrand, and Jake Murakami. In the Fall of 2023, as students of Software Development at Macalester College, we embarked on a mission to create an online hub that mirrors the spirit the Mac Free-Swap. Our vision is to foster a connected community where every member of Macalester can effortlessly buy, sell, trade, or donate pre-owned items. Through this initiative, we aim to build a sense of camaraderie while addressing issues of accessibility and sustainability on campus.
Team Jachris started this venture with a shared belief in the power of community and the potential for positive change. Inspired by the Mac Free-Swap concept, we envisioned a digital platform that transcends physical boundaries, creating an inclusive space for students, faculty, and staff at Macalester. Our journey began with technical research, delving into tools like Google Firebase and exploring backend architectures with Firebase and Java Script.
Our mission is to provide solutions that enhance the Macalester community's experience by fostering connections and reducing waste. The Virtual Mac Community Trade Center seeks to:
Increase accessibility to affordable or free items, especially for those who may face challenges going off-campus.
Establish a secure space for buying, selling, donating, and trading within the campus community.
Enable students to save money while ensuring access to essential college items.
Contribute to the reduction of waste on campus.