That stuff you were going to throw out could save a life.
Here’s a statement that you may not have thought of: You can help save lives by donating your used textiles. Let me explain…
It might come as a surprise to learn that the US generates just over 17 million tons of textile waste per year, according to the EPA. That adds up to around 112 pounds per person! Of that waste, 66% goes to landfills, 19% is burned, and less than 15% are recycled.
But this doesn’t need to be the case here in Lincoln! For several years now, PCM has had Toss Boxes around the area where folks can drop off used textiles (clothing, towels, shoes, purses, belts…). Those items are taken to our Help Center, where we give away the very best (for free!) to our guests and low income families who shop there, and we recycle the rest. Recycled textiles are eventually purchased by micro-businesses in developing nations. The revenue from the recycling goes to fund the PCM services that are vital to the homeless and impoverished.
Did you know that with other recycling boxes you see around town, only 5 cents of every dollar made goes to the actual need? That is NOT how we operate. 100% of every dollar made with our recycling program goes directly to help the homeless.
So, here’s my request. Would you have anything in your closets or drawers that is no longer useful? Any contribution you can make right now would be of tremendous help. And, of course financial donations are greatly appreciated too. It has been a hard winter for shelter operations.
Thanks so much for partnering with us. Just know that your gifts, no matter how large or small, are making a significant impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
I pray you and your loved ones have a blessed time this Easter. God is good!
God’s blessings,
Pastor Tom
TEXTILES YOU CAN DONATE
We will take ANY textiles you have, including clothing, bedding, shoes, belts, purses, etc. (even items considered “dead textiles” can be shredded and recycled). Our staff and volunteers sort the donations, then the good stuff is put out at the Help Center for our shoppers to choose from for free.
The items that don’t get put out, and items that don’t get taken after a while by our shoppers, are baled and sold by the pound.
Donations can be dropped off at our Help Center at 6800 P St. or any of our Toss Boxes. For more information about the Help Center: https://pcmlincoln.org/help-center/. For more information on Toss Box location: https://pcmlincoln.org/get-involved/#toss-boxes