The Jamestown BPU has a secret weapon for recycling at Lincoln Elementary School – fourth graders in the Project LINC After School Program.

For the past eight years, fourth graders in the program have collected recyclables for the BPU twice a month as a way to give back to their school and community.

“The recycling program is just one way we try to instill in our students that they need to give back,” said Cheryl Stone, Project LINC coordinator. “The school is so generous to let us use their facilities and welcomes us with open arms, and it is important that the students recognize that and help out in as many ways as possible.”

The students collect all recyclables from the classrooms in the school and four to five times a year, they collect trash outside on the school grounds. Students also give back by volunteering and collecting donations for the Chautauqua County Humane Society, Toys for TOTS, Joint Neighborhood Project Food Drive and creating holiday cards for Meals on Wheels. The recyclable program is just one of many activities offered to Lincoln Elementary School students through Project LINC.

Project LINC, which stands for “Learning is Never Complete,” is a New York state-registered school-age childcare program that is sponsored by the Jamestown Community Learning Council. The program is offered to all children who attend Lincoln School. Project LINC began 21 years ago and was the first school-based childcare program in the Jamestown Public Schools. It provides a wide variety of daily enrichment and educational activities and special events.

Project LINC operates from 3-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on regularly scheduled full days of school. Daily activities include: computers, arts and crafts, athletic games, music, dance and karate. Special events include: numerous programs provided by a wide range of community agencies such as James Prendergast Library, Department of Social Services, Jamestown Police and Fire Departments and Project YES.

“Project LINC serves as a link between school and home,” said Stone. “Messages often travel back and forth between parents and myself. I try to act as a liaison on behalf of students and their well-being. By working together, Project LINC provides the best opportunity for social, educational and personal growth.”