Local Realtor To Sponsor Recycling Event To Help Murdock Elementary

Amid the budget crisis that is crippling the education system and causing mass layoffs for school personnel throughout the state, Jaime Hernandes, a Mt. Helix resident, wanted to do something to try to help.

So he teamed with local business owners and John Ashley, principal of , and came up with the idea to sponsor an at the school, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 5.

"The biggest motivation for doing this event was to help the school," said Hernandes, who is the father of one of Murdock's students. "Secondly, it is approching Earth Day, and I thought this could be something to also help the environment."

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and Hernandes is hoping for a big turnout. All Green, a national electronics recycling company, will be on-hand to collect all of the donated goods. They will then weigh them, add up the value of all of the recycled items, and  give all of the proceeds to Murdock Elementary.

Ashley said that Hernandes came to him with the idea a couple months ago, and that he is excited that the event will be helping the school. He said that he doesn't have an idea of how the funds will be spent – he still needs to discuss that with the PTA depending on how much is raised – but that he assumes they will look into purchasing some new technology, to keep with the event's theme.

Hernandes said that people can donate nearly anything that is electronic, including: video monitors, TVs, cell phones, radios or stereos, printers, cables and wires, calculators, even ink and toner cartridges. Frank Perella from Laser Direct has already donated 25 old fax machines, monitors, and printers.

Hernandes also contacted many local business in Casa de Oro on Campo Road about donating goods and services to be given out at the event. He said that Liberty Tax will be helping distribute goodie bags, and will be offering five free tax preperations, will donate bottles of water, will donate gift cards to purchase small snacks, and will donate coffee and cups.

Altruism aside, Hernandes, a local realtor with Ascent Real Estate, also wants to be a part of the community event to meet people, introduce himself, and spread the word about his firm.

"[Murdock] is a great school with a great staff," he said. "Hopefully, this motivates people to clean out ther garages and offices and bring in their old electronics."

For more information on the event, contact Hernandes, (619) 379-7643 or All Green, (800) 931-6498.