Recycling programs have been around for years and are proven ways to raise funds. Volunteer Corps members (VCMs) would collect, repair and resale cast off goods just as Salvation Army, Goodwill and numerous Resale Shops now do as adjuncts for SPCA, Schools and Churches. VCMs should attempt to join with one of the existing entities and work for a pro-rata share of the proceeds of his/her labor to be divided, a small percentage to sustain the VC coordination and fundraising efforts, and the rest to go the VCM's battalion to operate those programs.

VCMs would actively solicit neighborhoods and businesses in person and on the phone for any unused and unwanted items---as small as a pair of socks to buildings, automobiles and profit-making equipment. Once a donation has been identified, volunteers would relay the find  to the VC Center or a cooperating agency and they would follow up.

The Volunteer Corps would cooperate with existing agencies whenever possible. After all, the purpose of Another Way  is to assist the good efforts already underway in the community. Leverage — not competition—is the goal. Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army already have trucks and pick up stations which might be expanded if young VCMs are successful. Many churches and schools already have an infrastructure for their resale shops which might be used. In an effort to avoid becoming a competitor, the VC Center should attempt to expand the outlet stores in these agencies. If cooperation cannot be negotiated or there isn't an existing viable recycling program in a community, then the VC Center would start its own program based on successful role models.

One may wonder why the VC is needed since volunteers already work directly for their church resale shop and Salvation Army etc. Of course this will continue. Old ways should continue until a new way has been tested and proven to be superior. The old way looks and sounds good but the deterioration in society proves the old way is not good enough. There are extra benefits to participating individuals and to participating organizations that we believe will justify the Volunteer Corps to the nation.