Hey, all.
 
I help out with the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project.  Check it out at http://tote4pgh.com/
 
Basically, they collect new & gently-used tote bags & backpacks, which get sent to the Food Bank.  Each bag eliminates at least THREE plastic bags.  Less waste, less landfill, less money spent by the food bank on bags.  It's a win-win-win!
 
Not only that, we also accept all other kinds of bags, which we re-locate to the places they're needed (purses, suitcases, briefcases, messenger bags, etc.)
 
I work at the Pittsburgh Public Market in the Strip District (between 16th & 17th Streets on Smallman), which is one of the permanent drop-off locations.  Through the end of April, we're also holding a "Spring Cleaning" Drive.  (http://tote4pgh.com/2012/02/22/pittsburgh-public-market-announces-spring-cleaning-supplies-tote-drive/).  The purpose is to collect needed items which cannot be purchased with SNAP (food stamps).
 
Here in the East End, you can also leave bags at Construction Junction, The East End Food Co-Op, or the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse.
 
I'm asking for my great Highland Park neighbors to consider a few ways to help:

• Donate totes, food, or needed supplies at the Pittsburgh Public Market.  (If you're donating food, please make sure it is NOT expired, and that it's healthy.)
• Donate totes or other bags at any of the other above-mentioned sites.
• Email me and I will arrange a time to come pick up your donation.
• Spread the word about this Project to your friends, coworkers and anyone else you can think of.
• Consider hosting a drive at your place of work, school, event, etc.
• And, to keep this excellent project going, if you believe in what we're doing, consider volunteering to help us out, whether it be with pick-ups/drop-offs, marketing, donating prizes for us to offer for high-achievers in our tote drives, advertising, etc.

 
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
 
Thanks, neighbors.
 
Rachel Kudrick