We spent this week at MCC orientation in Akron PA. Most of the days were spent in sessions learning about organization policies, theology of service and peace, and advocacy. We are half way through. The next week's sessions are focused more on the international aspects of our work.
One of the things MCC is involved in is sending relief supplies and other materials to areas of need in the world. We took a field trip to the Material Resource Center (MRC) where many of the materials are processed before being sent around the world. They also do a fair bit of recycling; proceeds of which cover a large percentage of the operating cost of the MRC. Most of the work is done by volunteers from the area.
Some MCC funding comes from over 100 successful thrift stores around the US and Canada. Last year thrift stores raised over 13 million dollars.
Bales of clothes for resale
Bales of paper, and bales of hand made comforters. In the picture below, Doug is examining a bale of paper, weighing approximately 1 ton. These bales are recycled and proceeds go towards the operation of the MRC. The comforters behind Doug are sent to locations such as refuge camps or for disaster relief.
Another source of funding for MCC is relief auctions around the US and Canada. Quilts made by volunteers in the quilt room of the MRC are one of the many things auctioned. We were told the day before we visited, 90 Amish folk were volunteering working on quilts and recycling.
Corinna with other folks for the orientation. The bins behind them are filled with school kits they put together during the time we were volunteering. School kits are sent around the world, many to sponsored students.
Doug cutting bindings from books so the paper can be recycled.
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