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Taken from A/G News, November 16,
2001
** CHILD COMPASSION
CHALLENGE--RAISING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WITH
"TRASH" The Assemblies of God Women's Ministries and A/G World Missions child-care ministries (Asia's Little Ones, Latin America Child Care, Africa's Children, Save Europe's Children and Eurasia's Future) are partnering with a Christian-owned and operated company to raise thousands of dollars for reaching needy children--at absolutely no cost to those who participate. Every year, over 300 million inkjet cartridges are needlessly thrown away. Through the Child Compassion Challenge, these inkjet cartridges can be a huge source of free financial support as they can be remanufactured and resold. "When I tell people it doesn't cost anything to help us raise money, people are quick to question me," said Lillian Sparks, national Women's Ministries director. "But the fact is, it's true! What the world throws away, we can recycle to redeem the life of a child." Here's how the program works. Churches or individuals--even school children--can contact Child Compassion Challenge and request a supply of collection boxes (some districts have already ordered thousands of boxes). They then fill the collection boxes with empty, qualifying inkjet cartridges and send them back in. "People often ask me, 'But what about postage costs?'" Sparks said. "That's taken care of as well--each collection box comes with a pre-paid shipping label." The Funding Factory, which is partnering with Women Ministries and World Missions is the largest remanufacturer/recycler of inkjet cartridges in the U.S. Yet, the company only recycles 3 million inkjet cartridges a year, meaning hundreds of millions of cartridges are available to either take up space in a landfill or to recycle. David Crosby, who worked to set up the program, said that for every cartridge sent in, approximately $1 is given back and divided equally among the five A/G children's efforts. "Considering that the funding company is paying for all the promotional fees, as well as the collection boxes and the shipping of those boxes, this is a really good deal," Crosby said. "This is not just for people from the church to donate," Sparks explained. "Take these collection boxes to businesses, college dorms, public and private schools and let your friends and neighbors know about it. The Child Compassion Challenge not only provides desperately needed funds for needy children, it also allows those concerned about the environment to do their part to recycle. Most importantly, it creates doors to bring Jesus into people's lives." For more information or to order collection boxes, call toll-free 1-866-50-4-KIDS or see the Child Compassion Challenge Web site at <http://www.agccc.org/>. Those interested in having this program presented to a larger audience, such as a district retreat or function, should call 360-753-4433. |
