Sure We Can facts for kids
 |
|
| Non-Profit Organization | |
| Industry | Recycling |
| Founded | Brooklyn, NY, 2007 |
| Founder | Ana Martinez de Luco Eugene Gadsden |
| Headquarters | , |
|
Area served
|
New York City |
|
Key people
|
Ryan Castilia (executive director) |
| Services | Providing redemption services |
Sure We Can is a special place in Brooklyn, New York. It's a non-profit center where people can return empty bottles and cans for money. It also acts as a friendly meeting spot for the community.
This organization helps people in Brooklyn get their deposits back from bottles and cans. It's also a big help to "canners" – people who collect these items to earn money. Sure We Can is all about helping the environment and making the community stronger.
History of Sure We Can
Sure We Can, also known as SWC, started in 2007. It was founded by a group of people, including Ana Martinez de Luco and Eugene Gadsden. Their main goal was to help the "canning" community in New York.
Helping Canners and the Environment
"Canners" are people who collect empty cans and bottles from streets and public places. They do this to earn money from the deposits on these items. Sure We Can was designed to be a safe and welcoming place for them to bring their collections.
By 2019, the center was processing about 10 million cans and bottles each year. It served over 400 canners regularly. Sure We Can estimates that it gives out about $700,000 to canners every year. On average, a canner visiting Sure We Can earns about $1,000 per year. This helps many people support themselves and their families.
Future of the Center
Since 2020, Sure We Can has faced a challenge. Their landlord wants to sell the land they have rented for ten years. The organization is now looking for money from the city or from private donors. They hope to buy the land so they can continue their important work.
See also
In Spanish: Sure We Can para niños
