Local Meals on Wheels is thinking "green"

As a means to help its ongoing effort to deliver hot meals to Cherokee County residents that are elderly or shut-in, the local Meals on Wheels has found an environmentally friendly way to bring in funds for the organization.

Meals on Wheels began accepting used ink cartridges and cell phones six months ago. The idea to begin taking these used goods and turn them into quick cash came by accident according to the organization's local director Terry Dennis.

"It really started six months ago as an idea that we hoped would bring additional funds to this operation," Dennis said. "But volunteers and businesses have jumped on the bandwagon and made this a success."

The effort has raised more than $400 to date, the amount needed to deliver hot meals to a local resident for one year.

Though a drop box sitting at the nonprofit group's remains full the drive has been done with little promotion or fanfare.

"This program for the most part has promoted itself as people still don't know that we are recycling goods," Dennis said. "It's easy money. Folks from all around have brought these items in, and with the exception of a few papers having to be filled out everything is relatively simple."

Prior to Meals on Wheels taking in used cartridges and cell phones, the organization previously accepted newspapers, magazines, cans and cardboard for recycling purposes. Discarded materials like newspapers and magazines also are being redistributed by the organization as a way to increase literacy and leisurely reading.

"We are able to use these items and such to give to clients who cannot afford the reading materials," Dennis said. "The aim is to give them something that will be helpful and informative."

Dennis also believes these multiple drives help accomplish the nonprofit group's goals of bringing in money to help clients and urge all to "think green."

"This is our way of setting an example," Dennis said. "We are presenting ways to help our future by taking care of the environment."

More environmentally friendly ideas could be on the horizon for the local Meals on Wheels, with plans to recycle cardboard for cash.

"This will be something that will continue," Dennis said "As we find more things we can recycle we will continue to expand."