Ministry closes recycling operation

Unfortunate News:

(from the Courier By Nancy Rollings Saul)
The Good Sam Ministries warehouse, recycling center and automotive repair service at 1200 N. Postville Drive has closed due to a lack of financial support.

“I’d like to thank the community for the amount of recycling items we received,” said director Wayne Cox. “I especially thank local businesses that were providing two tons of cardboard a week.”

The warehouse opened in September and shortly thereafter had processed about two tons of glass, a quantity of plastics and between two and tour tons of paper products.

Funds from the sale of the recyclables were to be used to support other ministry services.

Cox said Wednesday it was not feasible to keep the warehouse open with the dropping commodities market for recyclable materials.

As an example, recycling companies were paying $85 a ton for newpapers and other paper products in December, but last month the market price plunged to below $30 a ton.

Cox urged citizens to contact government leaders about the expansion of local recycling services that the county already offers.

“I urge people to use the recycling bins across from Latham Park,” he said.

Cox said Good Sam Ministries would continue to provide transportation to doctors’ appointments for those who need it.

“We will also continue partnering with Midwest Food Bank of Bloomington so we can provide food to The Oasis senior center, Holy Family Food Pantry and Christian Child Care,” Cox said.

“Good Sam will also coordinate with the Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE) Food cooperative to provide an alternate source of reasonably priced food that is available to everyone.

Additional information about Good Sam services is available at www.goodsamministry.org or by calling 217-651-8087.