Lions recycling program twice as nice
Club's program a friend to the environment, community

Lions Club volunteer Linda Karija helps Dr. Bruce Fink unload cardboard at the recycling center in Coudersport. Aluminum, glass, plastic, newsprint and cardboard are accepted each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

On any given Saturday morning, a steady stream of cars and trucks can be seen turning off Rt. 6 in west Coudersport onto Damascus Road.

Their destination is the Coudersport Area Lions Club recycling center. Each week, tons of garbage that would otherwise be fouling the environment is instead diverted back into the marketplace. The Lions also make a few dollars each Saturday to support their many community projects.

From 9 a.m. to noon, the recycling center accepts aluminum cans, clear and brown glass, plastic, newspapers and cardboard. The only materials that generate any revenue for the Lions are aluminum cans. However, the club does benefit from the generous donations that many recyclers regularly deposit in the collection box at the center.

"Part of the community service aspect of our recycling program is the fact that we're reducing the volume of material that would otherwise be buried in a landfill," explained Steve Erway, a longtime Lion and one of the founders of the recycling operation.

Recyclers can make the volunteers' work easier by separating the items and making sure containers are clean before bringing them to the center, Erway said.

Many people are unaware of the full range of community services provided by the Lions Club. The organization financially supports vision assistance for the needy, Special Olympics, American Red Cross, youth activities, Make A Wish Foundation and other worthy causes.

New members are needed to lessen the load being carried by the faithful Lions Club volunteers. Membership information is available from Steve Erway and Lou Karija.