Local nonprofits host paint recycling fundraiser
Two local nonprofit organizations are teaming up to rid homes of unwanted latex paint while supporting adults with disabilities.
EarthPaint.org and Connect to Community, Inc. are sponsoring a latex paint recycling fundraiser (no oil-based paint) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, outside d'Vine Wine & Gifts, 243 E. Northwest Hwy., in Palatine.
In exchange for a tax-deductible donation ($1 per quart; $4 per gallon is suggested), homeowners can dispose of all the half-empty paint cans 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 organizations and are now working to assemble a shipment of 1,000 gallons for Hurricane Harvey rebuilding efforts.
EarthPaint has been three years in the making, receiving 501(c) (3) status earlier this year. 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 nonprofit 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, another 501(c) (3) organization that 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 life for their children.
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 microbusiness, 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 unwanted paint, help keep paint and paint cans out of landfills, and support EarthPaint.org and Connect to Community.
For information about this recycling event, email Connect to Community at ConnectToCommunityInc@gmail.com.