Dare to DeClutter

Complete List of Items Being Collected:

The following items must be in good condition:

absorbent rags
aluminum pie/tart shells
books (no textbooks)
flat plastic foam trays (no containers)
glass jars with lids
margarine flats
magazines
metal juice disks (not sharp)
clothing patterns
plastic berry baskets
plastic film containers
pill bottles

musical instruments

sheet music
sports equipment

cds
costumes

If you bring in the following items they do not need to be in working order:
eyeglasses and cases, hearing aids
jewelry

sewing machines
small household appliances, radios
used bicycles, tricycles, parts and accessories
watches, watch parts

Items accepted for specified local, community groups and agencies:
pop can tabs

Campbell's soup labels

cancelled stamps

canned food and non-perishable items for local food banks
cell phones
clothing, bedding, towels, bathmats
coats
crayons and markers
egg cartons
foam chips
Heinz baby food labels
ink cartridges
kitchen items, cutlery, dishes, pots
ladies' dress shoes

medals and trophies
pencils and pens
pennies
plastic grocery shopping bags
plastic pails
sports cards
toys, games, puzzles
wigs
wine corks

Local elementary and secondary schools are partnering up to reduce waste, recycle useful items, and help others in need during Clean and Green Week. Dare to DeClutter is a free environmentally-friendly community event held to collect household items for reuse by individuals and local groups such as daycares, schools and churches, as well as city-wide agencies.

Items that are currently cluttering up your home may be dropped off at Stratford Central Secondary School’s cafeteria on Wednesday, October 21 between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. This includes the following items in good condition: school supplies, coats, magazines, books, toys, games, towels and linens, costumes, reusable sports equipment, musical instruments, sheet music, craft supplies (beads, buttons, crayons, markers, shells, spools, yarn, fabric, etc), and tricycles, bicycles, parts or accessories. Items collected to support specific groups include pop cans, pop can tabs, eyeglasses and cases, ink cartridges, used cell phones, grocery receipts, corks, Campbell’s Soup labels, Heinz baby food labels and cancelled stamps. Donations of non-perishable food items will also be collected for local food banks.

The community is encouraged to attend this free trade party on Oct. 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at Stratford Central. Although no money will be changing hands, any monetary contributions will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation which provides aid and care to those suffering from AIDS in Africa.

Emelie Taylor, Grade 5/6 teacher at Avon Public School, encourages people to come out to this free, worthwhile environmental event. "Rethink your garbage habits," she says. "If you are willing to help reduce the waste going to our city’s landfill, enjoy searching for unexpected treasures and have an interest in helping others, then this event is for you."
For a complete listing of requested items, visit www.carestratford.org or for more information or to get involved, contact Emelie Taylor at 271-2905 or Kerry McManus at 271-4500 or carestratford@cyg.net.