Submitted by Gretchen Carey, DPW
As Recycling Coordinator for Bedford, part of my job is to make sure that the town buildings have all the supplies and education they need for recycling. Recently, I paid a visit to the KIDS’ CLUB, adjacent to the Town Center. What a wonderful surprise! Not only do they recycle, but the concept of “Reducing and Reusing” are thoroughly ingrained in this cheerful, pleasant play space.
Director Nancy Cormier was my guide, and took me on a tour from room to room. The chairs and tables came from the elementary school when they got an upgrade, she explained. The sturdy furniture was child-sized and colorful. She showed me the original cubbies that have been freshened with a bright coat of paint, along with a donated sand table that the KIDS’ CLUB staff has spray-painted a friendly red, to create a like-new look. They’ve accepted gently used books and toys and a beautiful wooden rocking chair. These donated items combined with the program’s newer equipment and supplies, give the rooms a cheerful and welcoming air.
“We teach the children not to waste materials. For instance, they are taught to cut shapes from the edge of the paper, not from the middle. Then we keep the remainder of the paper for the next project.” If only we were all so careful with our resources!
I asked Nancy what the DPW and I might be able to do for the after school program, to support them in their green efforts. Most of the things she mentioned are items that can be found in the play rooms and basements of Bedford residents, and so I thought the wisest thing to do was to make a list of supplies that KIDS’ CLUB can use, and print it here for residents to see. This is truly my favorite green pursuit: sharing the idea that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. I invite you to see how many of these items are clogging up your closets and craft rooms, and could be better used at the KIDS’ CLUB.
- Paper
- Misprinted/outdated stationary
- Bouncy balls
- Sports balls (soccer, basketball, etc)
- Yogurt containers, rinsed
- Wood chunks (smaller than your hand)
- Spools
- Felt scraps
- Ribbon
- Fabric scraps
- Flowerpots, rinsed
- Giant cardboard boxes
- Used pens, pencils and crayons
- Oak tag, or heavy paper
- Beads of any sort
- String, jute or yarn
- Sewing or embroidery items or kits (even partially done)
- Puzzles
- Marbles
- Jump ropes
- Gently used books
- Colorful magazines or catalogs
- Kids’ bikes in good condition
So, it you find yourself with any of these items, drop them by Monday through Friday, 12 pm to 5 pm during the week at the Kid’s Club, and ask for Nancy Cormier. I am sure your donation items will be appreciated all over again!
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