Caps are Now Tables

posted 11/25/18 -- Take some recyclable plastic, an enthusiastic Boy Scout and give them a Head Start and what do you get?

Lorain County Community Action Agency got seven picnic tables, two benches and new friend in Eagle Scout-to be Jacob Martin.

LCCAA Head Start partnered with Green Tree Plastics last year to teach children about recycling, lifelong habits of green living and taking care of our environment. Head Start centers throughout the county collected plastic caps and lids that were melted and made into recyclable lumber.

“We filled an entire box trailer with caps and collected more than 2,300 pounds total,” said Jennifer Bartlebaugh, Education and Disabilities Specialist, who coordinated the effort.

Jacob assisted with the project to earn his Eagle Scout through Firelands Boy Scout Troop 450. Jacob recruited friends to help sort and weigh the caps as well as raise some funds to cover processing costs. Jacob also traveled with the group that delivered the caps.

Additional kudos go to Bobby Taylor and participants in LCCAA’s Youth Services Program who also helped with sorting and collection. LCCAA’s Service Safety Specialist Tracy Hough and his staff stored the collection and helped with delivery.

Several community agencies and some businesses collected caps for the effort including Starbucks in Lorain, St. Peter’s School, Lorain County Educational Service Center and Lorain County Children’s Services. And of course, all the LCCAA staff, children and families who contributed to the collection deserve thanks as well.

“Thanks everyone for collecting your caps!” Bartlebaugh said.

The seven picnic tables were distributed at LCCAA directly operated Head Start Centers. The two benches can be seen – and enjoyed – in front of the LCCAA Administrative office at 936 Broadway in downtown Lorain.