ReCreate promotes creative reuse by providing a welcoming space where people can donate, shop, and craft with repurposed materials. It's part thrift store, maker studio, and education! ReCreate is a nonprofit inspiring sustainability, creativity, and community connection. By diverting materials from the landfill and offering hands-on learning opportunities, they raise environmental awareness. At the same time they support individuals, of all ages and abilities, in expressing themselves creatively and responsibly.

Founded in 2008 by Donna Sangwin, ReCreate was inspired by a desire to make art more accessible while preventing perfectly usable items from entering the waste stream. It began as a place to collect and repurpose donated materials. Over time, it has grown into a community hub offering workshops, educational programs, and inclusive employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Outreach has expanded, and they now offer programs like Maker Mondays and artist interviews to engage the community in new and meaningful ways. ReCreate provides "More Art, Less Waste," bringing a great environmental arts education program to schools in the region.

As Director Emily Carroll shared, ReCreate is all about "sparking creativity and imagination to encourage thinking big, solving problems, and building the world we all dream of, a world where everyone feels safe, seen, heard, and valued. Through creative reuse, hands-on projects, and community connection, we invite people to explore new possibilities and take part in shaping a more inclusive and hopeful future”.

Photo feature: Chelsey Flores (right) won the Donna Sangwin Legacy Scholarship of $2,500. Ravneet Kaur (left) won the honorable mention $500 scholarship! Both are members of the STEAM Team of high school volunteers.