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Scrap metal drive benefits Humane Society

Submitted Photo Volunteers helped transfer the metal scrap into the dumpsters or in the other pile where appliances were kept.

More than 53,000 pounds of scrap metal was collected during a driver for the Lakeshore Humane Society in Dunkirk.

The event was held at the society’s location on Chestnut Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1 in the city. The organization collected lots of different types of metal and metal products, including appliances, grills, extension cords, yard equipment like lawn mowers and snow blowers, and many other different metal-containing items.

With the assistance of Mom and Pop’s and Jolly Roger Recycling, the drive helped clean out people’s basements, garages, and the city to simultaneously raise money for the animals they provide care to. All in all, the drive doubled its success from last year, filling 10 dumpsters full of metal scrap.

“The line was down Chestnut Street and sometimes it was hard to keep up,” volunteer Nancy Letersky said. “No way did I ever expect to get as much as we did. People even made multiple trips!”

Roger Krumrie, owner of JollyRoger Recycling had the idea for the fundraiser that started last year. “He volunteers his time and services, all for the love of the animals,” Letersky said. “He is a Godsend that provides a labor of love every year.”

Krumie had the idea to do a metal drive a couple years ago, inspired by those in World War II, to raise money for his favorite animal shelter. He had known about the shelter ever since he adopted a cat from them about 18 years ago and ever since has supported. He especially loves the fact that they are a no-kill shelter. Krumrie did not take any profit from the drive.

“I approached them with the idea a few years back and they kind of gave me this look like, ‘what are you talking about?'” Krumrie said. “Then after I explained more, they took onto the idea and it’s turned out really successful.”

He also explained that the whole drive would have been impossible if it weren’t for Mom and Pop’s Recycling. “They waved the fee for switching out the dumpsters and went four hours into overtime finishing up,” Krumrie said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Jeff Sischo from Mom and Pop’s Recycling volunteered his time and their services to the drive. They did not charge the shelter anything for their services. “It’s such a worthy cause and that’s the only way they get money is through donations,” Sischo said. “They collected about 53,000 pounds of scrap metal, which is a lot more than last year.” A couple of Mom and Pop’s Recycling workers even volunteered their time after work to help out the shelter.

The Lakeshore Humane Society is in need of volunteers to help with events such as the scrap metal drive and their annual yard sale event. They are also needed for everyday jobs, such as taking care of the cats and dogs, mowing the lawn, vacuuming, laundry, and all the other miscellaneous jobs.

The next fundraiser for the Lakeshore Humane Society is on August 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at their location in Dunkirk outside. They will have tents set up for a smaller yard sale than usual, due to the pandemic. There will be hot dogs, beverages, 50-50, and a basket raffle available as well. Masks and social distancing will be required.

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