The benefits of Bra Recycling, Elaine Birks-Mitchell shows how

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Scrap Monster): Where do used bras or the newer ones that don't fit you right end up? The answer may be landfills. Elaine Birks-Mitchell had 12 such bras that didn't fit right in her drawer. That is when she decided a couple of years ago to donate her unused lingerie to a shelter for women in Arizona. This gave the impetus for her to start in 2008 The Bra Recyclers, for profit organisation that offers an environmentally friendly and cheap way to donate baras to breast cancer survivors and women in transitional shelters.

Already, a winner of several excellence awards, the organisation launched the largest annual recycling event, Bra Recycling Month last year to recognise Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness in a unique way.

The 2nd Annual Bra Recycling Month to take place this October. For the entire month of October, traditionally dedicated to Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness, The Bra Recyclers intend to collect recycled bras in an effort to help women nationwide bring attention to these powerful causes in a unique way, while directly helping to re-shape a life.

"Last year’s first Bra Recycling Month was such a success we have decided to host the event on an annual basis. The month-long campaign ties directly into Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness,” states The Bra Recyclers CEO, Elaine Birks-Mitchell. “There are women in need all over the country who lack a clean properly fitted bra. There are also women who have battled breast cancer who cannot afford to purchase expensive mastectomy bras or prosthesis. The Bra Recyclers believe every woman and girl should not have to worry about something as simple as bra as they transition back to self-sufficiency and/or being cancer-free. Although it is an item that many of us take for granted, for those who receive bras from The Bra Recyclers, the results are increased self-esteem, encouragement, and strength to carry on.” The Bra Recyclers currently support 39 organizations across the United States.

As a testament to how recycled bras re-shape the lives of women and girls in need, Debra Erickson with Helen’s Hope Chest stated, “When I opened the box Elaine had sent to me and I saw all of your lovely bra’s I felt a tremendous burst of joy. We have over 13,000 foster children in care in Maricopa County AZ and Helens Hope Chest needs all of the donations it can get. So when you help a company like the bra recycling company you help us as well. Those designer bra's you sent us gave those foster girls squeals of joy”.

The Bra Recyclers also use October as an opportunity to show thanks for the generosity of women who recycle their bras. By partnering with businesses across the country, The Bra Recyclers are able to host weekly raffles to give away prizes. When women recycle their gently used and new bras during October, they are entered into the drawing for a chance to win a prize. A constantly updating list of prizes will be available on The Bra Recyclers website at www.brarecycling.com. So far, prizes have been provided by Cookie Lee Jewelry, The Bra Tree, and Jenneration Fix, Inc.

The Bra Recyclers collected over 7000 bras during Bra Recycling Month 2010 and believe this year will be even more successful. “This year our goal is to collect 10,000 recycled bras,” said Birks-Mitchell. “We know we can do it, because this is a simple way for anyone to support Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness.” More information about The Bra Recyclers, including charity organizations they support, and more Bra Recycling Month details at www.brarecycling.com.

Elaine Birks-Mitchell apart from running the bra recycling business is also a seniro information technology partner at Worldatwork, a global human resources association with more than 30,000 members in 75 countries.