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YourHub.com \\ Santa Clarita Valley \\ Stories \\ Environment \\ Cleanups

E-waste recycling event to benefit 999 for Kids

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Contributed by: Stephanie Weiss on 8/13/2007

From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, August 18, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Electronic Recyclers International will partner together to raise much need funds for the department's "999 for Kids" fund.

Santa Clarita residents will have the opportunity to recycle their old computers, television sets, LCD screens, Plasma screens, laptops, printers, copiers, fax machines, keyboards, speakers, cell phones and other out-dated, unusable or unwanted electronics at the Pitchess Detention Center located in the front parking lot at 29320 The Old Road in Castaic.

Electronic Recyclers International will donate 20 cents per pound to the "999 for Kids" fund. There is no charge to individuals who drop off electronic waste and event sponsors are hoping to raise $3,000 for the "999 for Kids" fund. For further information about the electronic waste or e-waste collection program one may call Sgt. Gerri McCorkle at (661) 295-8840.

According to Sgt. McCorkle, the fund was established in 1985 by the Los Angeles CountySheriff's Department and the Department of Children and Family Services who joined together and organized the "999 for Kids" fund. The fund was developed to help physically and mentally challenged children throughout Los Angeles County who are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect and family violence.

The "999 for Kids" fund raises money for the purpose of purchasing special items and services for these children, i.e., sport wheelchairs, computers, special education classes, medically-oriented toys and games. Additionally, a Christmas party sponsored by the Training Bureau and an ice cream social awards ceremony sponsored by the Family Crimes Bureau are held annually.

Through the generosity of the men and women of the Sheriff's Department and the community, financial support for the "999 for Kids" fund is accomplished through fund raising events. According to McCorkel, who is coordinating the event for the Pitchess Detention Center, "999" is the law enforcement code for "officer needs emergency help."

"In this instance we do need help," said McCorkle. "Across Los Angeles, all Sheriff Department stations and facilities help raise much needed funds for this cause during the months of June, July and August. We are hoping the community will not only come out and help support the fundraiser, but help protect the environment as well by recycling their e-waste. Many Californians are unaware that it is against the law to throw certain electronic items in the trash. It is estimated that over six million computer monitors and televisions are stockpiled in California garages, closets, and attics due to the development of newer technologies."

McCorkle said the growing dependence on electronics both at home and in the workplace has given rise to a new environmental challenge and electronic waste contains materials that are valuable but can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. There is lead in cathode ray tubes and solder, mercury in switches and housing, arsenic in older cathode ray tubes, antimony trioxide used as flame retardants, selenium and cadmium in circuit boards, chromium in steel as corrosion protection and cobalt in steel for structural strength and magnetivity.

For additional information about the August 18 e-waste recycling event or assisting with the funding needs of the "999 for Kids" fund, call McCorkle at (661) 295-8840.

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