Recycle program aids homeless

A new recycling program in Bloomington called "Recycle for Shelter" will debut this month. \nThe program's goal is to raise money through community recycling efforts that can be used to help fund Shelter, Inc, a non-profit homeless shelter.\nEstablished in Monroe County in 1986, Shelter, Inc. offers safe, temporary housing for single adults and families and provides support services for its residents during their stay. The agency needs financial support to continue to offer its services, its Web site says. \nIn order to raise money for Shelter, Inc., all community members, including IU students, are being asked to save their aluminum products. Volunteers from "Recycle for Shelter" can then arrange to pick them up and transport them to Bloomington Iron and Metal, where the profits will be donated to the shelter.\nAlthough the program begins this month, volunteers will collect aluminum year-round. Individuals can also bring their saved aluminum to Bloomington Iron and Metal on their own time, as long as Shelter, Inc. is designated as the recipient of those profits.\nBonnie Vesely, the volunteer coordinator for "Recycle for Shelter," says she hopes the campaign accomplishes the goals they've set for it.\n"Our goals for this program are really three-fold," Vesely said. "We hope to raise money for Shelter, Inc., we want to raise community environmental concern, and perhaps most importantly, we want to create awareness of Shelter, Inc. within the community. Fundraising programs like this help get the word out that we're here and that helps in the long run. We're not necessarily raising a lot of money here, but we're hoping to raise awareness significantly."\nVesely is optimistic about the campaign's ability to meet its goals and is eager to be a part of it.\n"Apparently, Habitat for Humanity used to do something like this but it hasn't been going on for quite some time," Vesely said. "We're excited to bring it back. It's really a great cause. We've actually been thinking about doing something like this for a long time, but everyone's been so busy we didn't really look into it," Vesely said. "Our Board President just took the idea and ran with it."\nKatie Burns, a volunteer and IU student, says that the "Recycle for Shelter" program is already off to a strong start.\n"Even though we're just getting started, things are going really well," Burns said. "But, this is a year-long campaign so we're anticipating more support as we get further along."\nBurns said he hopes this campaign will encourage students to become a part of the Bloomington community and help effect change.\n"We really hope to get students to recycle," Burns said. "Recycling is important but it is usually a nameless donation. The fact that it can be donated in our name and to such a good cause makes it more personally meaningful." \n"Recycle for Shelter" is currently looking for volunteers. Contact Bonnie Vesely at 323-8052 for more information.