Happy Thanksgiving From CJ!
Greetings Reuse Fans,
Missy Mongelli here, guest blogging for Mike while he is away visiting with his family.
I am so thankful for all your support over the past 18 years, which has enabled us to grow into the Reuse Monster known lovingly as CJ. I come into work every day inspired by the dedication of our customers, our donors, and especially our staff. Reuse takes dedication – a willingness and determination to make the choice to do something different, rather than making the easy choice. It’s a choice that we make as individuals, as an organization and as a community, to do our part to make Earth a little healthier.
Our partnerships with other Pittsburgh non-profits are a big part of our success, and amplify the benefits of reuse in our community. Our work with the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh and Project RE_ has connected us with more people and broader horizons. We share our dedication to reuse as well as some space with Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, FreeRide, ComputerReach, and the City of Pittsburgh Recycling drop-off center. We accept donations on behalf of Global Links, so that more people can donate their new or lightly used medical aids. We’re a member of a financial collaborative with Bike Pittsburgh, Tree Pittsburgh, GTECH Strategies, and Nile Mile Run Watershed Association, to share in employing a CFO. The Pennsylvania Resources Council, in addition to launching CJ all those years ago, continues to support us and our whole community, with its mission to preserve Pennsylvania’s environmental resources for each generation.
And last, but not least, is our collaboration with Goodwill of Southwestern PA, in an on-site job training area for those with barriers to employment. Our customers benefit from the efficient processing of donations by the job trainees, and the trainees benefit from the opportunities we’re able to provide here at CJ. Our Goodwill colleagues prepare doors for the store, and sort, group and band tile and restock the tile aisle – 5 days a week, every week! We’re hoping to expand the opportunities available to our trainee colleagues, perhaps with a new product line such as light fixtures.
#GivingTuesday
This year, we are using #GiveBigPittsburgh, on Tuesday, November 28th, to raise funds to purchase much needed items for our Goodwill job training area. Even a small donation would go a long way to providing tools for the next Goodwill job trainee who joins us at CJ!
