In a world where every man is for himself, it’s comforting to know that there are nonprofit organizations that exist and are run by people who spend their days working because they genuinely care about society and the planet.
When Catrina Stackpoole started Recycled Treasures in Hamtramck, Michigan, she had recently been working at another nonprofit. When that nonprofit hit some hard times, it had to layoff employees and close a number of facilities, one of which was a second-hand furniture operation.
“I knew the importance that this played on our neighborhood for low-income families to be able to buy something inexpensive,” she said. “So, when I had the opportunity, I decided to start my own nonprofit.”
Recycled Treasures’ mission is to build a viable, sustainable and caring urban community by promoting the recycling of household resources, by assisting vulnerable neighbors regarding those resource needs, and by encouraging the creative reuse of items to prevent contribution to landfills.
The organization is a 501(c)3 that helps the community by providing emergency assistance with essential furniture to those in crisis, providing low-cost furniture and household items to the community, and promoting the recycling of items that would otherwise find their way to landfills.
Recycled Treasures has a number of programs to help meet the community’s needs. Beds for Kids is a program that was started because the organization recognized that the number one needed item in the community is beds. The company also has a giveaway program to provide stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers and beds to people in need.
Stackpoole said that Recycled Treasures is always in need of volunteers.
Click here to be introduced to Recycled Treasures
Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer and Public Relations, GreeningDetroit.com
Jennifer is pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a Contributing Writer for The South End.
