SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The funds earned from scrap metal recycling by volunteers from the Mary Mother of the Church Chapter of St. Vincent de Paul has been helping the poor for the past several years. The initiative, which commenced in 2009, has so far raised $194,000 to date. The recycling initiative aims to reach the goal of $200,000 by the end of the current year.

According to Dick Drury, coordinator of St. Vincent’s scrap metal program, the recycling efforts have generated earnings of nearly $1,500 per month on an average. The funds thus earned are exclusively used to help the poor and needy people.

The program accepts almost all materials, except tires and televisions. The volunteers process the items to extract precious metals such as copper, brass, and aluminum from them. The used bikes, received as donation, are handed over to a non-profit, which in turn are distributed to local children. Also, devices in working condition are given away to those in need.

By promoting recycling of metals, the initiative contributes significantly to environmental protection.

Those who wish to be part of the program are encouraged to drop off their metal items at 5833 Kerth Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63128, next to the 12-foot trailer in the driveway.