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Local Nonprofits Host Paint Recycling Fundraiser

To celebrate Earth Day, two local nonprofits are teaming up to help residents rid their homes of unwanted latex paint in exchange for a cash donation to support their work with adults with disabilities.

EarthPaint.org and Connect to Community, Inc., are sponsoring a latex paint recycling fundraiser (no oil-based paint please) on Saturday, April 21, from 11:00am to 3:00pm outside d'Vine Wine & Gifts, 243 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine. In exchange for a tax-deductible donation ($4 per gallon; $1 per quart), homeowners can dispose of all the half-empty paint cans that they have stored in their basements and garages in an environmentally-friendly way. Volunteers will be on hand to unload cars and provide donation receipts.

After dropping off their paint, recyclers should also plan to stop in to d'Vine Wine & Gifts to enjoy complimentary gourmet olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting as well as a special wine tasting for two with a bottle of wine for $20.

EarthPaint (www.EarthPaint.org) makes the world a better place by creating jobs, reducing waste and raising funds for other charitable organizations. EarthPaint gives donated paint new life by using it to create high-quality new paint which they sell at their retail store in Wood Dale at a fraction of the cost of comparable paint. In addition, they frequently donate paint to other worthy nonprofit organizations.

EarthPaint has been almost 4 years in the making, receiving 501(c)(3) status in 2017. Founder Chris McCarthy realized a high demand for the proper recycling of latex paint, however the cost was prohibitive. At the same time, McCarthy was involved in working with adults with disabilities and over time realized that the tasks associated with collecting and revitalizing the unwanted paint could provide paid employment for those with special needs. Organizing as a non-profit gave EarthPaint the ability to access necessary funding while creating jobs at the same time. EarthPaint now collects and recycles hundreds of cans of paint every day and produces thousands of gallons of high-quality paint.

Partnering with EarthPaint.org on the fundraiser is Connect to Community, Inc. (CTC), another 501(c)(3) organization which serves young adults with developmental disabilities and their families in the northwest suburbs (www.ConnectToCommunityInc.org).

CTC was founded in 2013 by four mothers who wanted to create a better future for their own children and others with special needs. With a focus on the transition period when students exit school and often find few if any supports available, CTC works to assist families in their efforts to create a full and meaningful life for their children. They are fierce advocates for people with disabilities, believing in their right to live, work and recreate in their own community.

Connect to Community provides educational outreach for families through monthly Friday Forum seminars, monthly Informational Tours, and an annual Transition Summit. They also provide social and volunteer opportunities, and have started a micro-business, CTC Creations, which allows their young adult participants to develop, make and sell products while earning a competitive wage.

But first and foremost is their commitment to employment. CTC believes that with the right job and the right supports, everyone can work, no matter what their disability. Aligned with the national Employment First initiative which states that employment in the community should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities, CTC uses a Customized Employment model to provide vocational services to area young adults. Customized Employment is a collaborative, person-centered approach that seeks to individualize the relationship between employers and employees in a way that meets the needs of both.

So, take advantage of the opportunity to dispose of your unwanted paint, help keep paint and paint cans out of landfills, and support EarthPaint.org and Connect to Community all at the same time.

For more information about this recycling event, email Connect to Community at ConnectToCommunityInc

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