2020 Goals
We are working on a $2.5 million fundraising campaign, which would allow us to accomplish the following goals:
- Update and expand our current space to ensure easy and safe access for all visitors and increase energy efficiency.
- Establish a Mobile Unit that will allow us to bring the Teacher Store to schools located two or more hours away from Portland, especially in Northern Maine;
- Increase our staff capacity and raise community awareness of our programs in order sustain ourselves and to expand the services we offer to meet the ever growing need for supplies; and
- Move the 4 Public Store off site in order to expand it, increase the number of items stocked and use the additional revenue to help cover operating expenses for it and the Teacher Store.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
On Friday, December 6 we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary with a 1950s themed Sock Hop and auction at the Portland Country Club. Join us for an evening of vintage fun and old school dancing. (Tickets will be available beginning in October.)
Please contact Ruth or Lisa at (207) 699-5565 or office3rs@gmail.com if you or your business is interested in:
- Sponsoring the event or donating an item for our auction
- Helping set-up, decorate or clean-up on the day of the event
- Helping prepare for or conduct the live or silent auction
Giving Opportunities
- Backpack Program: Financial contributions allow us to purchase supplies in bulk, ensuring each backpack contains identical supplies. New backpacks and school supplies are accepted all year.
- Shipping Costs: Help cover the costs of transporting new office and school supplies from donors around the country to our warehouse. Shipments vary in cost from $1,000 – $3,500 per semi-truck load.
- In Kind donations needed include:
- 26’ box truck
- electrician services
- repair exterior cement stairs
- shrink wrap machine
- scissor lift
- inventory control system
- Sponsor a School’s Membership: Teachers from member schools can obtain classroom supplies from 3Rs’ Teacher Store at no cost to the individual teacher.
- Unrestricted financial contributions allow us the flexibility to apply resources where they are needed most.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome individuals (16 years and older) and groups (from 2 to 50) to help out for a few hours or on a continual basis. Please contact us at (207) 699-5565 or office3rs@gmail.com to set up a time to come in and help out.
Specific volunteer opportunities include:
- Volunteer coordinator to help us manage large groups
- Warehouse – sorting and putting away donations, organizing shelves, taking items apart to be repurposed or recycled
- Teacher Store – stocking shelves, light cleaning and tidying up
- Marketing and development support
- Holding a supply drive or hosting a fundraising event helps keep shelves stocked all year and the heat on ALL winter, while spreading awareness of 3Rs and letting people know what we do and how it benefits education and the environment.
