Howard Greninger
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Earth Day came a week early Friday for some West Vigo High School senior students who worked to unload a truckload of clothes donated from students at four Vigo County elementary schools.
Students at Sugar Creek, Sugar Grove, Rio Grande and Riley Elementary schools collected clothing items during a week-long effort for a donation to Goodwill Industries.
Goodwill collected the items from each school Friday, then nine West Vigo High School students worked to unload the donations at Goodwill’s recycling center at 2702 S. Third St.
“Earth Day is more than just plastic, paper and cardboard. A lot of the donations that we received from the schools, which is our first year for doing this, was clothing. It gives clothing a second chance at life for someone in need,” said Marlene Cox, business development for Goodwill Industries.
“Goodwill sells that at an affordable price and those sales fund employment for people with disabilities or special needs,” Cox said.
The clothing donations were already places in large plastic bags by the elementary schools. Covered Bridge Special Education District runs a Community Work Skills Training Program. Students who unloaded the truck participate in that program.
“I didn’t realize all the things they recycle,” said West Vigo senior Desiree S. Marion. “They give back a lot with the recycling.”
Each student unloaded about 10 bags from a Goodwill truck. The clothes are then taken to a table, where Goodwill workers separate the items. If clothing has a stain or is missing buttons, items that are at least 50 percent cotton can be made into cleaning rags, Cox said. Many companies in the Wabash Valley buy those in 20-pound boxes, she added.
“I didn’t know about the recycling here. I thought it was just a store,” said James W. Oachs, a senior at West Vigo High School. “Plus, I didn’t know all about the people who donate.”
Students wore bright green Earth Day T-shirts, donated by Duke Energy. Earth Day is observed on April 22, however, Vigo County students are not in school that day.
Howard Greninger can be reached at (812) 231-4204 or howard.greninger @tribstar.com.
