Our club donated a bench to the Page Hilltop Elementary School made of recylcable plastic. The Club partnered with parents and students to collect 1,000 pounds of plastic for the Recycling Challenge with a prize of a free bench from Trex. The club dedicated the bench to the teachers and staff at the school.
The Ayer, Harvard, Shirley and Devens Rotary Club is thrilled to announce a successful plastic film collection initiative that has resulted in over 1,000 pounds of recycled material being sent to Trex, a leader in sustainable building products. This impressive effort culminated in the presentation of a beautiful, eco-friendly bench to the Page Hilltop School in Ayer on November 4, 2024.
Chairs of the project, Dolores Alberghini and Doreen Quintiliani, spearheaded this initiative to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement. Their dedication has not only helped reduce plastic waste but has also provided a functional and attractive addition to the school’s outdoor space.
The Rotary Club partnered with Page Hilltop to collect plastic. Students and families were encouraged to start saving plastic grocery bags and other polyethylene films instead of throwing them in the trash. Collecting polyethylene for this Recycling Challenge kept it out of landfills and taught children how easy and important it is to recycle. In addition, the NexTrex Recycling Challenge engaged the students in a community service project where they can contribute to the group’s success.
Chair Dolores Alberghini shared that, “Initially, the thought of collecting 1,000 lbs. within one year was overwhelming. We decided to have a competition among Rotarians who would receive a prize at the end of the year-long challenge. Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of our Rotarians, engaging their friends, family and colleagues, and the Ayer Page Hilltop School we collected 1,215 lbs. by June 1, 2024.” She added, “We are so proud of what we accomplished as a community. Every piece of plastic we collected represents a step toward a cleaner environment. It’s a wonderful way to show our commitment to sustainability.”
Doreen Quintiliani echoed these sentiments, stating, “This project showcased the power of collaboration. The Community Bench Project is a fun initiative that not only engages our members, but it also provides a way for Ayer Rotary to connect with the many facets of the communities we serve while helping to lessen the impact of plastic on our environment.”
The bench, crafted entirely from recycled plastic film, not only exemplifies the importance of recycling, but also provided a durable seating option that will withstand the test of time. The Ayer Rotary Club is proud to participate in the NexTrex Recycling Challenge and is gratified to partner with Trex in this initiative, highlighting the potential of recycling to create valuable community resources.
The presentation of the bench took place at a ceremony on November 4 at the Page Hilltop School.
For more information about the Ayer Rotary Club, please visit ayerrotary,com.