The Unum Retirees have had a few calls to assist the local Non-Profit Organizations during the
last few months of 2010.  Following is a list of where and what we have been doing.

            National Multiple Sclerosis Society - mailing of about 600 letters with 3-4 enclosures;

            Ruth‘s Resusable Resources (3R‘s) -  Sorted and packaged 15,000 red, blue, yellow
            and green crayons in groups of 12 for local teachers. 

            Easter Seals of Maine - updated computer listing of walkers; Calling donors to confirm
            their donations for the Auction on 11/6; Mailing of invitations to the Auction.

I want to send a special thanks to the volunteers:  Jean Allen, Ann and Carl Comstock, Ann and
Bob Coughlan, Mary Guy, Julie Martin, Martha Murphy, Bette Robicheaw, Joyce Trainor, Pam
Libby, Sally Nappi and Anne Waecker.  If not for these willing volunteers we would not be able
 to support our community.

If anyone is interested in joining the phone tree and helping out with any of the non-profits, we
usually have 3-5 days notice, please give me a call at 839-4371or e-mail me at
BDahms1@maine.rr.com.  Come join the fun.

Happy Volunteering
Beverly J. Dahms

The featured non-profit agency in this edition is Ruth’s Reusable Resources (3R’s). 

About 3R's

Ruth's is beginning its 17th season of service to schools in southern Maine. 3R's had its beginning in
Ruth and Tom Libby's basement, then moved to one room in the Oak Hill Grammar School on the
Black Point Road.

I (Ruth) started this when my oldest son's kindergarten teacher sent a note home requesting parents
assistance by saving some household items that could be used in school craft projects, such as egg cartons,
meat trays, juice can lids, etc.  I saved these items, as did my mother, my grandmother and some of my
mother's friends at UNUM.  I delivered some of the items to the school, then for a couple of years, some
of the teachers came to our basement to take whatever they needed in their classrooms.
                                                                                
Then, I saw an article in the Sunday paper about a woman in Auburn who was collecting items from
businesses to recycle into the schools, so I checked it out.  A year and a half later, I connected with
UNUM.  That 's when, in the 1st year in the Bessey School, my work status changed from being a
volunteer to getting paid.

I received grant money from the UNUM Charitable Foundation for the 1st and 2nd years in the Bessey
School with a stipulation that 3R's would be licensed as a Non-profit organization and become self-
supporting by the end of the 2nd year.

We relocated to a much larger building on Blueberry Road and opened the new facility in the Fall of 2007.

It takes many hands to keep this non-profit operating and there are several ways to volunteer your services
at the 3R’s.  If you would like to participate in a worthwhile volunteer project, please contact Ruth and she
would be very happy to put your skills to work.  They have a great website where you can get a great
overview of the operation.

Ruth's Reusable Resources (3R's)
Voice: 207-699-5565
Email: ruths3rs@yahoo.com
39 Blueberry Road
Portland, ME 04102
Website:  http://www.ruths.org


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