By: Beth Faulk
March 12, 2009
An ink cartridge recycling program has been started at UAH. The proceeds from the recycled ink cartridges will be given to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which is an organization that helps integrate special-needs children with the world around them. Collection boxes have been set up in the lobbies of NCRH, CCRH, and Frank Franz Residence Hall. If you don’t live on campus, there is a box placed in the University Center Lobby, as well.
The project was started by UAH student Kelsey Thacker after she read about the organization on the book jacket of a Clay Aiken CD, who is the founder. “[I] felt that the aim of the charity was a very worthwhile one,” said Thacker. She began researching ways to donate to the organization, and one of the ideas listed on the website was collecting empty inkjet cartridges for recycling. “[I] thought that a college campus would be a great place to try and collect empty inkjet cartridges,” she said.
The Bubel/Aiken foundation was started by singer and entertainer Clay Aiken. The idea for the organization developed out of Aiken’s relationship with Diane Bubel, whose 13-year old son Mike was diagnosed with Autism. Both Aiken and Bubel wanted to help children with special needs become fully integrated in society. Aiken officially announced the creation of the Bubel/Aiken foundation on July 28, 2003.
If you would like to donate to the Bubel/Aiken foundation or start your own fundraiser, be sure to visit their website at www.bubelaiken.org. The website features more ways to donate, as well as more detailed information about the organization itself.