By Staff
For the Advance
Escambia County Middle School is recycling and would like your help.
"We are recycling empty laser, fax, copier and inkjet cartridges as well as used cell phones, laptops, Palm Pilots and iPods for two reasons," Sara Chavers, ECMS media specialist said. "First, we are trying to preserve our environment by keeping these harmful items out of landfills. Second, we want to raise funds for our Media Center."
The recyclable items that are collected are returned to Cartridges for Kids(r) (CFK). Escambia County Middle School is among more than 12,500 non-profit organizations nationwide that are helping the environment by recycling.
How can you help? You can turn your "trash into our treasure" and feel good about helping the environment all at the same time. Most people have used cell phones to dispose of and almost everyone uses cartridges, either at home or at work. They come from fax machines, copiers and printers. By donating these used items you can assist ECMS with earning much needed funds.
Community and business supporters can participate at no cost. CFK will send postage-paid, pre-printed shipping labels to business supporters for the return of the used items. These items can also be dropped off at ECMS's office.
"The program has raised $745 since 2003 and the funds raised will be used to build a new listening center for the school," Chavers said. "The children also have a contest going between their homerooms. The homeroom that collects the most cartridges will have a party sponsored by Cartridges for Kids."
The contest between the homerooms began Sept. 6 and will run until Oct. 20.
To learn more about Escambia County Middle School's Cartridges for Kids program please call Sara Chavers at 368-9105. For more information, visit www.cartridgesforkids.com or call toll-free at 800-420-0235.