The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC), which operates the BottleDrop network, announced today that it has donated $15,000 through its BottleDrop Fund to the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon. This donation will further critical support for the group’s NatureHoods program, a free outdoor program for Kindergarten – 2nd grade students in Central Oregon.
The BottleDrop Fund, created in partnership with Oregon Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon that are operating in the spirit of the Bottle Bill through annual grantmaking. The Fund’s priorities include litter and waste reduction, environmental conservation, environmental education, recycling, public-private partnerships that work to solve a community problem in Oregon, and skill-building and job training for low-income residents.
“The beverage industry has built an amazing legacy of stewardship through Oregon’s Bottle Bill,” said Eric Chambers, vice president of strategy and outreach at OBRC. “We’re delighted to support programs like the Children’s Forest that give young people the opportunity to enjoy some of the special places the Bottle Bill helps protect.”
The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon offers educational programs, outdoor experiences, and manages conservation initiatives to provide local children with valuable opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world. With a focus on equity and inclusion, the organization’s work has a special focus on connecting underrepresented communities to impactful experiences in nature. The work of the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon is grounded in the belief that the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities improves when all people connect to the outdoors.
For more information about the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon and its initiatives, please visit http://www.childrensforestco.org.
About Children’s Forest of Central Oregon
The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon is a non-profit organization focused on connecting children with nature through outdoor education and experiences. By providing opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, the organization aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship and appreciation for the natural world.
About BottleDrop and the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative is the industry steward of Oregon’s nationally recognized beverage container redemption system and the operator of the BottleDrop network. On behalf of the beverage industry, OBRC helps Oregonians easily recycle over 2 billion containers every year, dramatically reducing litter in Oregon’s special places and boosting recycling outcomes. To learn more, visit BottleDrop.com or OBRC.com.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) was founded in 1973 with a big mission: to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grant making and scholarships. In 2023, OCF distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit: oregoncf.org.
