A Longstanding Partnership
A cornerstone of the William J. Bresnahan Scouting and Community Center's fundraising efforts has been its long-standing partnership with Planet Aid. The Bresnahan Center is under construction and receives all financing from community donations. Although the center is not open yet, the organization has been a Planet Aid bin host for over a decade with bins outside the center, offering residents a convenient way to donate used clothing and shoes to be reused.
The financial impact of the bins has been significant. Brenda Brown, one of the Bresnahan Center’s committee members says that funds generated from the textile donations help cover essential operating costs such as heating, electricity, and even rubbish removal for events.
"The Planet Aid bins are a low-maintenance, high-impact fundraiser,” Brown says.
The bin was initially met with some skepticism, but it has since become a mainstay in the Ashburnham community.
"As time has gone by and people realize that it’s something that’s going to be there for a while, the people of Ashburnham seem to love that they have the option to pass on their items and that they don’t have to end up in the landfill," Brown says.
The bins now receive so many donations that they require weekly collections, reflecting the community’s growing enthusiasm for sustainable practices.
Brown has worked with Planet Aid over the last few years and says, “The setup is easy, and working with Planet Aid is wonderful. If we’ve ever had questions or concerns, they have gotten right back to us and given us suggestions to promote the bins. It’s definitely a worthwhile fundraiser to look into."
Initiating Sustainable Change
This partnership has fostered a sense of community and environmental responsibility among Ashburnham’s residents. Having bins also provides an additional environmental benefit because residents don’t need to drive out of town to donate their textiles. The bins provide an accessible local option, reducing CO₂ output.
As the Bresnahan Center continues its fundraising journey, the community's support and the successful collaboration with Planet Aid are testaments to what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. The vision of a vibrant, all-encompassing community center is well within reach, promising to serve both scouts and residents for years to come.
If you are interested in partnering with Planet Aid to keep textiles out of landfills and fundraise for a good cause, ask us about hosting a bin. There are no costs, risks or obligations. Planet Aid does all the work!