June 5, 2008    News Tribune

Recycle the phone book and fight hunger 

People who want to get rid of their old, outdated phone books can do so and fight hunger, too.

A month-long phone book recycling project is scheduled for the month of June in Jefferson City. Nine places - including four Hawthorn Bank sites, four Central Bank sites and City Hall - have been selected as drop-off sites.

How does it work?

Organizers are hoping people will drop off their phone books and bring some non-perishable food with them when they come.

The food will be delivered to the Samaritan Center, whose organizers plan to use it for kids' lunch programs.

Here's a list of some of the foods that are needed.

Microwaveable soup bowls, macaroni and cheese, popcorn and oatmeal are welcome. The center also could use pudding packs, fruit packs, applesauce packs, peanut butter, jelly, Pop Tarts, cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers, granola bars, graham crackers, soup and ravioli with pop-top lids.

The event is co-sponsored by Embarq and MRS Recycling.
Here is a complete list of the drop-off sites:

* Hawthorn Main Bank Downtown, 132 E. High St.
* Hawthorn Bank South, 211 W. Dunklin St.
* Hawthorn Bank East, Eastland Drive
* Hawthorn Bank West, 3701 W. Truman Rd.
* City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St.
* Central Bank West, 3533 Country Club Dr.
* Central Bank Wal-Mart, 724 W. Stadium Blvd.
* Central Bank Main Bank Downtown, 238 Madison St.
* Central Motor Bank, 500 Madison St.

One location - Hawthorn Bank West - will continue to accept the books throughout the year; it's the only phone book collection site in Jefferson City after this recycling event concludes at the end of June.

If your company has more than 75 phone books, you can call MRS Recycling directly to schedule a free pick-up at 636-5828.

To show appreciation for all those who participated, Embarq will make a $250 donation to the Sarmaritan Center.