FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Oct. 19, 2009
Contacts: Angela Sundstrom, PRSSA President, 304-222-0286
Teddy Kluemper III, Habitat for Humanity, 304-523-4822

 

Marshall University Public Relations Student Society of America teams up with Habitat for Humanity to change the world,
one pair of jeans at a time

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – That old pair of unwanted blue jeans lying in the back of the closet now has a chance to be given “new life.”

Cotton Incorporated launched the Cotton: From Blue to Green denim drive across eight college campuses this fall, including Marshall University’s Huntington campus. The Public Relations Student Society of America has teamed up with Cotton and Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity to promote this cause. It is a call to action for the donation of denim that will be recycled, converted into insulation and used in Habitat homes.

“Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity and the Habitat ReStore  are very excited to be in a position to partner with the PRSSA students at Marshall on this project,” said Teddy Kluemper III, Habitat’s director of development and communications. “By recycling the denim, those who participate not only provide a ‘green alternative’ for insulating Habitat homes, but importantly they are doing their part to help keep our houses affordable.”

Since the national campaign began in 2006, the denim donated has been converted into UltraTouch™ Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation and used in the construction of houses for hurricane-affected families in Baton Rouge, La. To date, the natural cotton fiber insulation produced has been used in more than 200 homes in the Gulf Coast region.

Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store on 3rd Avenue in Huntington will serve as a drop-off location for anyone wishing to donate. The store hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donation bins have also been placed throughout Marshall’s Huntington campus and tables will be set up in the Memorial Student Center every Tuesday in October from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Denim of any type is accepted including pants, skirts, shorts and jackets. Since all material will be recycled, donations may be in any condition, even ripped or stained.

The campaign runs until Nov. 2. For more information on where to donate contact Angela Sundstrom, PRSSA president, at prssa.mu@gmail.com or 304-222-0286.

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