The owners of Northern California Recycling are already dedicated to keeping our streets clean and waste free, but this month they are devoting themselves to something even more amazing—providing children in Africa the funds to better their poverty stricken lives.
During September, Northern California Recycling will be donating two cents of every pound recycled to the Mustard Tree Ministry. The Ministry is committed to addressing the hard issues of poverty, premature death, hunger and disease that the Zambians are born and locked into. They help educate and feed the people of Southern Africa in hope that this will aid them in having brighter futures.
“I want to help these kids out,” said Paul West, owner of Northern California Recycling. “I hope to at least generate a couple thousand dollars.”
Paul and his wife, Vicki, bought Northern California Recycling in February of 2009. Since then they’ve expanded to a better facility where they make convenience the key to their company. People can drive up and have their trucks unloaded during business hours and after hours they are still welcome to drop off their recyclables.
The whole purpose of the business is to stop people from dumping their stuff along the highway, West said. Customers have shown great appreciation for this service. Going there saves them time and money.
“Nobody can believe it’s free,” West said “There just not used to hearing the word.”
West finds it rewarding to know that he is keeping the streets from being covered in unwanted appliances and electronics.
“When I pull up in the morning and see 10 TVs and 20 refrigerators I know that people are using our service,” West said. “Where would those be if they weren’t here?”
West’s caring nature is what led him to become involved with the Mustard Tree Ministry. He heard about the organization from his accountant, and after learning more about the organization from the founder, Barbara Lund, he knew he needed to help.
“We went to Barbara’s house and she showed us photos of the tribes’ people and her living in a hut,” he said. “There were holes in the side used as a bathroom; you just don’t realize that still goes on.”
Mustard Tree Ministry has already made a huge impact on the people of Zambia. They provide care for the children and give them the education and skills that will offer them a chance to rise above the poverty.
West attributes the success of the business and the hope for this project to his wife. “She is what keeps me going,” he said. “She is my world.”
Sometime after September, West and his wife hope to go to Southern Africa and see for themselves how they are helping the children of Zambia.

Visit Northern California Recycling in Redding (18405 Clear Creek) and drop off your recyclables during September to help raise money for the people of Zambia. For more information on the Mustard Tree Ministry, visit www.themustardtreeministry.org.

By Kayla Cook