Habitat for Humanity to Hold Countywide Celebration of Earth Day

“Go green” for Earth Day while helping a nonprofit in the community, and get some home projects and spring cleaning done, all in one trip.

Staff members from Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County are bringing their talents to the public in a countywide celebration Saturday, April 16. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the ReStore in West Norriton will play home to a grand observance of going green.

According to Kim Delaney Tobin, of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, there will be music, snacks, demonstrations, raffles and special discounts throughout the day to celebrate.

“Kids will be able to create and take home their own sculptures using recycled materials,” she said. “Everyone will receive a pair of gardening gloves and other goodies.”

In addition to displays from ReStore, a retail outlet that sells donated and surplus building materials, home appliances and furniture to the public at discounted prices, the Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County’s “Green Partner” GigaBiter will also be on hand to recycle computers, cellphones, televisions, printers, game systems, cameras and other small electronics.

Paper shredding will also be offered for all old bills, files and unwanted documents. GigaBiter offers a safe, secure and earth-friendly way to dispose of these items.

Do you have larger items to get rid of in your spring cleaning? The Earth Day program will also include a vehicle collection.

“Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County invites everyone to recycle their used cars and vehicles to help build a brighter future in partnership with low-income families in our county,” said Tobin. “Throughout the month of April, Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program will kick of the yearlong ‘Every day is Earth Day’ initative.”

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County and other Habitat affiliates throughout the county encourages residents to donate used cars, trucks, RVs, boats and other vehicles to help raise funds for the program.

“For nearly six years, Habitat’s Cars for Homes funds have been distributed to 1,055 local Habitat for Humanity organizations in the United States, Canada and overseas to help build affordable homes” said Tobin. “To date, more than 3,000 vehicles have been donated to the program, equaling nearly $3 million a year for Habitat affiliates worldwide.”

In Montgomery County alone, more than $33,000 has been raised since 2008.

“Many times cars end up in a landfill or sitting idle, but donating a vehicle for recycling or reselling is a hassle-free and easy way for anyone to help support their local Habitat affiliate and help provide affordable housing within their own community,” said Marcia Rundle, director of Habitat’s Cars for Homes program. “On average, more than 50 percent of the vehicles we receive each year are recycled, so donating idle cars not only helps the community, but also lets all of us be good stewards of our environment.”

For more information on the donation program, visit CarsforHomes.com or call 877-277-4344. For more on the Earth Day celebration, call 610-631-3149.