 The ministry won the award due its recycling efforts, which raise
money for the organization.Home Sweet Home's recycling business
has become an integral part of the ministry, according to Sabrina
Burkiewicz, a spokeswoman for the organization.
"Many people are surprised to hear we recycle, but we have been
recycling clothes, shoes, household goods, metals, glass,
electronics and cardboard for several years," Burkiewicz said.
She says the ministry recycled over a million pounds in 2012.
"We recycled 1.5 million pounds in 2012, which raised about
$178,000 for the shelter," she noted. "This does not count the
510,000 items that passed through our Mission Mart thrift stores,
raising money for the mission, while keeping 510,000 items out of
local landfills."
Mary Ann Pullin, CEO of Home Sweet Home, says she is proud of the
ministry's stewardship in this area.
"The recycling efforts at Home Sweet Home bring together three of
our core values: stewardship, teamwork and collaboration," Pullin
said. "At Home Sweet Home, we are serious about making the best use
of all resources that come our way."
Pullin also noted that recycling and reuse of items occurs in all
areas of the shelter's operation.
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"Employees and volunteers in food services accept extra food from
restaurants and grocery stores; shelter services accepts toiletries
and toilet paper from local hotels; maintenance and administrative
areas reuse office supplies and construction materials such as
carpet and ceiling tiles," she said. "Our community partners help
make this possible by donating unwanted items to us. This award
honors all who are involved with us in recycling."
Pullin says she hopes this inspires other organizations to follow
suit.
Burkiewicz, who oversees the businesses operated by the ministry,
which raise money for shelter operations, says she proud of this
achievement.
"We have been working away at building our recycling business for
eight years," she said. "With our new warehouse and our dedicated
team of employees and volunteers, we have grown enough that our
efforts have been recognized the Illinois Recycling Association, and
that feels great!"
Home Sweet Home Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,
nondenominational Christian organization serving homeless and
low-income individuals and families in Bloomington through a variety
of programs. Home Sweet Home provides numerous services 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.
[Text from file received from
Home Sweet Home Ministries] |
