To wrap up the end of the first quarter: the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America organization, also known as the FCCLA, is hosting a textile recycling event here at Alton High School. It was first held on October 21st and 22nd.
FCCLA Advisor Regina Birch and FCCLA members junior Victoria Copeland and sophomore Autumn Thomason volunteered to represent the organization in efforts to collect as much clothing and textiles as possible.
“This event was something we learned about a couple of years ago from another staff member, about how much fabric and textiles end up in landfills,” Birch said.
What makes the recycling event more effective and motivating is that the FCCLA will accept any materials. This includes blankets, belts, shoes, bags, clothing with rips and/or stains, curtains, etc. Thanks to the variety of different textiles being accepted, it is no doubt that this event will be a huge success. “In previous years, we have collected anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500lbs of donated pieces,” Birch said. All the textiles that the organization receives are 100% recycled and not going into a landfill.
The FCCLA isn’t just an organization that collects clothing. It’s a group of individuals that strive to show leadership, independence, ownership, and much more. In addition, the organization offers scholarship rewards, career opportunities, and leadership skills and development. “Any and all students are more than welcome to join FCCLA,” Birch said.
More FCCLA recycling events will also be held at Alton High School on October 26 from 1 pm to 6 pm and October 27 from 9 am to 12 pm. All donations must be in either bags or boxes.
