Kiwanis Club volunteers sift through a mountain of plastic for recycling. The chore is among projects tackled during a Carmichael Park workday dedicated to club member Sharon Ruffner.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Wielding scissors, shovels and shears, 35 Carmichael Kiwanians and friends recently completed a volunteer service day in honor of their late fellow member, Sharon Ruffner.

Ruffner, an indefatigable community activist, died in 2024.

Carmichael Park was the location for the Oct 17 effort. Trees were trimmed; garbage was picked up; hygiene kits were assembled for homeless children, and 165 pounds of stretchy plastic were sorted for recycling.

Recycling was especially dear to Ruffner’s heart. In 2021, the former San Juan School District staffer and friends spearheaded a project that has since collected more than 5000 pounds of unwanted plastic. The harvest is traded to Trex, a manufacturer of recycled building materials.

The late Sharon Ruffner helped launch Carmichael Kiwanis plastic recycling mission in 2021.

In exchange, the company donates composite outdoor benches to nonprofits. Ruffner and friends positioned their first bench in the Koobs Nature Area in 2021. The volunteers have since processed swags more bags and are now collecting for a sixth bench.

Kiwanian Linda Rose Jones now leads the plastic project and was part of the recent workday. “Girl Scouts and members of Sharon’s church also pitched in,” reported Jones.  “It was lovely for us to remember Sharon in such purposeful ways. She was a fantastic force for good in our community.”

Anyone can support the Kiwanis plastic drive. Wrappers must be clean, dry and stretchable. Bubble wrap, cling wrap and plastic mailers are welcome. Paper labels should be removed.

Unacceptable items include frozen food and candy packaging; potting soil bags, plastic gloves; beverage rings; bottles and rigid containers.

For donating information, email [email protected] or call 916-944-2393.