Ruths Reusable Resources

Ruth's is an invaluable resource for teachers in Maine. From colored pens, dry erase markers, mechanical pencils, items for a classroom prize box to books (new and used), Ruth's is the first place I look for the things I need for my classroom. Not only does Ruth's provide a financial savings to school districts but to individual teachers, who often spend out-of-pocket money on items for the classroom.

Ruth's Reusable Resources is an absolute GODSEND to teachers in the state of Maine. Most people know that teachers do spend their own money on their classrooms, but most don't realize the hundreds and hundreds of dollars that we spend each year on our kids. It comes down to this: if we need it, and the district doesn't provide it, we have to buy it--or go without. If you come from a two-teacher family, like me, that can really add up every year. That's where Ruth comes in. She provides, at no cost to teachers, the resources we need for class. Whether it's a new stapler, reams of paper, binders, in-baskets, books, paper clips, pens, pencils, and everything else you can possibly imagine, she provides it. The businesses who support her give her their excess or their outdated items, all of which would otherwise end up in a landfill. I estimate that so far this year, Ruth's has saved my family personally approximately $250 for items such as those I mentioned above, and many others--including some brand-new new safety goggles for my science class. RUTH, we love you and thank you for your support of education. We are so blessed to have you in the state of Maine! :)

Ruth's provides a service to educators and students that she developed at exactly the time school districts were beginning to suffer diminishing budgets. It also links the private sector with public education in a way that benefits both. I only wish the need for this unique operation were made unnecessary, but given the economy this seems unlikely.

This resource is so valuable in today's day and age. Thanks to Ruth for her vision and to the public donations from local business owners who see the need to deliver valuable resources to today's teachers, classrooms and children. INCREDIBLE....how lucky Southern Maine is to have this available. Thanks!!!! Megan S. O'Donnell

Ruth's is the most user friendly non-profit I have ever worked with. As a building elementary principal, she is always available to answer my questions nad if I can't make it there right on time due to the distance she travels, she accommodates me and my staff. Her items are superb and things that our shcools need everyday - and can't afford.

Again, Ruth's Reusable Resource has helped me with a big help at the start of the school year. They have so many items that are used regularly in the classroom. I went back again this week to get items to fill up my reward jar, and the students love the special items that I pick up at Ruth's. It is fabulous for organization tools, curriculum supplements, art supplies, and office supplies. There are even great furniture bargains! Thanks Ruths!

This year Ruth's is so important to me and my colleagues. We had a fire at our school a month ago and we have received so much help from Ruth's! When I arrived at Ruth's this morning my teaching partner was pulling up in her car too. Thank you for all you have done for Hall School!

I have been a reading teacher in southern Maine for the past several years. I have saved myself and my school hundreds of dollars by going to Ruth's for everything from paper to rubber bands to reading books. I run a summer library for children who receive reading support, and have obtained many of the books from Ruth's. I would be lost without Ruth's! I try to get there once a month.

I am a classroom teacher and just made my second visit to Ruth's. I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to get so many wonderful supplies to use in my room. The children used the brand new pencils, glue, page protectors and notebooks the day I brought them back. We read several of the books I had gotten too. We will use the paint, colored paper and other many supplies over the next few weeks. I also got felt to put up as a feltboard for story telling. WOW this is the best resource an educator could dream of. THANK YOU!!!!

Ruth's has been invaluable in helping me provide an effective education for my students. Our school has been able to get used textbooks when we have not had enough and could not afford purchase more. I have gone to Ruth's numerous times to find materials to use for projects in my classes and classroom supplies like paper, pens, markers, 3-hole punches, etc.

Working at a small Christian school means that money is always extremely limited, but Ruth's makes it much easier to do things that benefit my students.

Ruth's Resuable Resources is AMAZING! Ruth, Mary and Tom work tirelessly with their staff to ensure that all Maine teacher have the supplies they need to give students a brighter future. I have worked with Ruth's for several years now on a backpack stuffing campaign. I have never seen a more appreciative organization and hard working non profit. I look forward to all volunteer activities with Ruth's Resuable Resources!

Ruth's is amazing-- I honestly don't know how I could be as effective as a teacher without the materials and resources from Ruth's. Many of my students have organizational issues; many more live below the poverty level, so being able to provide pens, pencils, folders, binders, etc to them enable me to continue with the work of teaching and to ensure that students have the tools they need. Having access to workbooks and textbook materials gives me opportunities to include different activities and bring variety to my lessons.
I'm also the Drama Club director, and we rely heavily on Ruth's for all the materials we need for costumes, props, and sets. I love recycling objects that might otherwise be trash into useful, creative elements in our performances. We certainly couldn't afford to do elaborate plays (we have no budget, only whatever we are able to fundraise) without access to Ruth's.

Today at Ruth's Reusable Resources, I was able to get MANY things for my classroom. When teaching ELA, students need lots of paper, pencils, pens, erasers, etc.,--things that seem impossible to keep in the classroom. I was able to find all of these things as well as some 'talking pieces' for our Restorative Practice circles! Not only did I find lots of 'treasures' for my classroom, when I didn't know where I to find something, someone seemed to always be right there to help direct me. When I wheeled the cart out to my car to unload my things, someone came out to return the cart for me. How fortunate we are to be members of Ruth's Reusable Resources! Thank You, Ruth's!!!!!!!!

Ruth's is the best. Every time I am starting a new theme or project in my classroom - I think of Ruth's. There is always something there I can use. Plus the usual items I get - like envelopes of all sizes, paper and paper board. My desk chair came from Ruth's. There is always something special too that you just can't believe you get to take with you!
The staff there are so helpful. They are knowledgeable about the process and helpful to all who are new. They keep the warehouse organized and well stocked. You can go in and grab items quickly if needed or enjoy a shopping experience of leisurely walking around picking out just the right items. Thanks you to everyone at Ruth's.

Just returned from a trip to Ruth's Reusable Resources with a bag full of supplies to use for a class project this week. I knew I could count on Ruth's to have a huge assortment of hands-on materials for me to use with my students as we make 3-D cell membrane models. Without Ruth's, I would be spending my own money at a local craft store buying up supplies that I thought would work. Instead, I have lots of odds and ends to bring to the classroom to allow for more student choice. Within twenty minutes I found supplies, filled out my form and checked-out with Ruth at the counter.

Hi, this was my first visit to 3R's. I was tickled with the generosity of the companies that donate to Ruth's!
The women that were working on the day I was there were very friendly and helpful.

I am a special education teacher at the high school level. I have been going to Ruth's for years and years and found items that perfectly fit the needs of my students AND items I had not idea what their intended purpose was, but again, fit the bill to a T. The most recent positive development is acquiring just the right thickness of material to balance the accoustics in our reading nook. Oh, the echo was really distracting, and students were put off, and sometimes brought to laughing at how they sounded when asked to do phonetic practice. Ruth's to the rescue. As much fun as we had laughing at the echo, students have stated that it's so much clearer now that the echo is gone...one more direct impact the materials I find at Ruth's.
As much as I get from Ruth's, the organization gives back to the community in other ways too. I've seen community members from businesses to group homes to disabled adults working productively, regularly at Ruth's with a sincere and clearly visible sense of accomplishment.

I am a teacher in South Portland Maine. I visit Ruths at least once a month to get supplies and fun items to use in the classroom. I have saved so much money by doing this,! The items are often new, and the ones that are not - are in good shape. Ruth and her staff are always on hand to hep! Thank you!!!!!!

Great nonprofit that helps MANY schools throughout the year. Disadvantaged children benefit from backpacks that are provided free of charge each year at the beginning of school. Thousands of dollars of school supplies and office furniture are available for teachers/administrators daily. The operation also helps the community by taking items that would otherwise be thrown away, therefore reusing and recycling.

I'm a teacher in South Portland, Maine. With budget's being frozen and cash flow tight for everybody, students often cannot afford the school supplies they need to participate in class. Even in the age of technology, essential materials such as basic pencil and paper are needed in the classroom. Ruth's has been a great resource for me to help me provide my students with those basic needs and take some of the pressure off their parents tight budget. I'm always amazed at how many things are available to teachers from textbooks to office supplies. It's a great resource that I don't know what I would do without.
Thank you Ruth's Reusable Resources for all you do for teachers and students!

Each year I budget for items to supply my small school nurse office. In recent years the schools budget is frozen mid year. Thanks to Ruths, I have been able to obtain needed items to keep my busy "clinic" running without missing a beat. Ruths appeals to the Yankee in me as well, and is a great example of practicing what we teach in school. Our students are very observant and are learning what they live, when they see a delighted teacher or their school nurse return with useful items for the classroom.

Ruth's does an amazing job collecting materials that teachers can use across the curriculum and the school day. I've picked up everything from pencils and paper clips to a clock, stapler, fancy paper and a filing cabinet. Volunteers are friendly and helpful. You save our school a ton of money every year and I'm having trouble picturing what we'd do without you!

Ruth's Reusable Resources has provided me with a multitude of materials for use in my classroom....pencils, pens, erasers, paper, a variety of supplies for art project/creative expression, filing cabinets, filing trays, desk trays, games, books, posters, tables, chairs...my primary classroom is a Ruth's Room. I have many materials from Ruth's and use Ruth's as a teaching tool. Through my association with Ruth's, my classes are learning about reducing, reusing, and recycling. The children have the opportunity to give back to Ruth's by doing projects for Ruth. The children know that when they are in the upper grades they will have the opportunity to give back to others by volunteering at Ruth's.

Thank goodness for Ruth's! I can't imagine not having a place such as Ruth's. Because of Ruth's my special needs students have access to materials that they would otherwise not. From Ruth's we have received work stations and dividers that allow our students to better focus. Materials from Ruth's have allowed teachers to create games and activities that help strengthen our students fine motor skills as well as increase academic achievement.

My school has been a member at Ruth's for years. I have received countless amounts of supplies; everything from reams of paper to staplers, file folders, and notebooks- even a comfy teacher chair. The notebooks, paper, dividers, pencils and pens have helped me provide resources to my students whose families cannot afford to provide these essentials for them.

The textbook exchange has helped me by providing copies of math books to fill out classroom supplies so that everyone has a book.
I also appreciate the opportunity to donate books no longer being used, so that some other school can benefit.

Ruth's Recycling is a fantastic operation! They are well organized and efficient which makes going there enjoyable. As an Art teacher with 430 students, I have acquired much needed suppiies such as paper, fabric, yarn,markers, frames, clay, paint and chalk. My students are thrilled! Probably the best fun for me is finding odds and ends of unique discarded materials which I challenge myself to be creative with my students. A visit to Ruth's is always a pleasure. Thank you, thank you!

Ruth's Reusable Resources is FABULOUS!!! Our school has had a membership there for many years and I can't beign to total up that wonderful supplies I have gotten for my classroom- paper, pencils, erasers, markers, paperclips, tape, rulers, notebooks, binders, craft items, books to read, and even chairs and tables. I always come home with a trunk full of things-it's just like Christmas!!! With school supply budgets being cut these days, we feel very fortunate to have a great place like Ruth's to help supply our classrooms needs. Because of Ruth's I have some great supplies to use in my classroom and have spent less of my own money on things I want for my children.

Hello, I have known Ruth since we we're in Jr. High. She is a SHINING example of a person who had a vision and followed it through some challenging times, until it germinated into a very relevant organization. She began with no money; just a sincere hope to improve her community. I am totally impressed with what Ruth and her staff have accomplished in a decade. She has created a novel orginization where everyone wins; the students, the teachers, and the businesses that donate their extra supplies.

I was introduced to Ruth several years ago, back when she was originally located in Scarborough. I volunteered in the office helping her with the business aspect of 3R's.

Ruth has an amazing spirit and beautiful heart that has been the passion behind her drive to keep this charity going strong and blossoming into what it is today. Without Ruth and her organization, and all that she has done for her community, her family, and the school systems, there would be schools struggling even more then they already are and possible cut-backs to be able to continue further education. Not to mentions the financial struggle teachers would also feel in their own wallets as well as their classes that would suffer without these necessary supplies.

If I was still living in Maine, Id be much more involved in her organization. Not only does her company help our future through the students that benefit from what it offers but the future of our planet as well by recycling products that would most likely end up in a landfill. Bravo two-fold! Giving teachers and students what they need to grow by using items that would be tossed aside to poison our planet!

Ruths Reusable Resources has provided my classroom with amazing supplies. As an art teacher at a private school with a very limited budget I do not where my program would be without Ruths. The importance of recycling in carried over onto the students because they know how many things come from Ruths.

Ruths Reusable Resoures was and continues to be an experience. They recycle paper and cardboard, yarn, wood, metal, books, fabric, furniture, plastic...they recycle vinyl and make die cut-outs of the alphabet for teachers. A great place for "what else can this be used for?"

In addition, she has taken msny tons of materials headed for the trash bins, but still useful and helped many schools and organizations. A giant help to small and large districts during these tough economical times.

I have been acquainted with Ruth's since the inception of the business. I don't have the stats, but she must have provided schools with, literally, TONS of discarded materials: desks, chairs, file cabinets, bookcases, books, paper, posters, bulletin boards, notebooks, labels, rulers - you name it. All of these materials would have gone to waste, but instead Ruth reduces the waste AND reduces spending in schools. It's a win-win all the way around.

I can't imagine a greener organization than 3Rs! They help keep so much perfectly usable material OUT of Maine's landfills. They also recycle or re-purpose tons and tons of goods in a way that benefits the common good -- by making our schools that much better. Ruth Libby and her team are incredibly creative -- they are truly the experts at making silk purses out of sow's ears!

Ruth's Reusables has provided my classroom with a wealth of supplies. These resources have enhanced lessons and provided students with materials that we wouldn't normally have access to. The work of the founders and voluteers in this organization have created a lasting relationship between businesses and educators. The idea that one's trash is another person's treasure has benefited schools throughout our state.

Each year we head to Ruth's to fill in the gaps that our budget process is not able to cover and each year I am amazed at the depth and breadth of Ruth's warehouse. We are able to obtain the smallest items to the largest (last year the secretary got a wrap around desk unit ). Ruth's is an outstanding "green" operation with wonderful volunteers and a well run organization. She provides many items for our school that we would otherwise go without. In these tough budget times, we are so grateful.

I walked through the doors and was WOWED! The organization, teamwork and pleasent atmosphere is a must SEE.
Ruths Reusable Resoures is an experience..Not only do they recycle paper and cardboard. But yarn, wood, metal, books, fabric, furniture, plastic...they recycle vinyl from damaged binders and make die cut-outs of the alphabet for teachers. A great place for "what else can this be used for?" In a time where the world is becoming so virtual. Ruth's inspires creativity and imagination. Where better to start teaching young kids about being green and recycling but a classroom.

Our high school Key Club members love to volunteer at Ruth's Reusable Resources each week. It provides them with an opportunity to support this important resource for teachers. As a teacher, I have benefited enormously from the supplies that are made available to us at Ruth's. With limited funds and cost-cutting, Ruth's has helped provide many supplies and equipment for my classroom and activities I prepare for students. Thank you Ruth and all the volunteers!!

Met Ruth at the first national Reuse Conference (ReuseConex) held in Raleigh, NC this past October. Of all the reuse organizations, I was particularly impressed with Ruth and her organization. The sheer SCALE of what she was doing - the size of her building and all the resources and more importantly, all the materials that were potentially diverted from landfills. Not to mention the great service to teachers and educators for an affordable option for expensive materials. What a concept - should be copied and "franchised" across the country. Can't say enough what an impression this visionary woman and her organization had on me - profound.

Our school district has been a part of Ruth's for many years, for elementary and middle school. Many of you many think it is only for elementary and middle school teachers, but Ruth's also serves high school staff and schools. It would benefit you because you can get replacement furniture, computers, goods and more! The whole district needs to join.

I head to Ruth's before school starts each fall. I know there will be limited if any pencils, lined paper, erasers in the school budget. When the pencil sharpener break, markers run dry and glue sticks grow legs, I head to Ruth's. I have a round table with comfortable chairs,(and some for the bare teacher's lunchroom!) a teacher desk chair without splinters and sometimes student notebooks, binders brought back from Ruth's. My only complaint is all the stuff I have to carry to my classroom when I leave; a good problem to have really. Thanks Ruth, and all her volunteers

On my first day at Portland High, I walked into a room with a desk, two monitors and one tower, a keyboard but no mouse, and a desk outfitted with an empty tape dispenser, 7 rulers, 3 whiteboard erasers, and not a single whiteboard marker.

I was supposed to be leading a study skills program for 9th graders, called RESULTS, and I didn’t know how I’d manage.

As I was asking around for supplies, I was told we had a membership to Ruth’s Reusable Resources! That weekend, I spent two hours gathering all the supplies I’d need to furnish a working room: Pens and pencils, markers, tape, a stapler, maps to cover the bare walls, contact paper to label desks and create a faux-corkboard, whiteboard markers in TWO colors, folders, labels, paper trays, glue, scissors, study skills posters, and even a dictionary!

If I had used my own money for such an endeavor, I would be flat broke right now. With generous donations from organizations, I’m able to stock up on the materials my students and I need in order to stay on track.

I began volunteering at Ruth's in 2005 when they were still working out of Bessey School in Scarborough, Maine. At first, I wanted to be involved to get the experience of volunteering. One day, a first grade teacher came in and said that she didn't know how she would get books for her kids if it weren't for Ruth's. I love children, so hearing this made me want to continue to help out. Seeing the community support Ruth's as they were faced with the challenge of having to move out of the Bessey school was also very touching. People and corporations came along side Ruth's to make sure that this amazing resource would not have to close it's doors. Today, Ruth's not only puts supplies into the hands of teachers (which then go to children); now, non-profits and the general public are able to benefit from the donated supplies. The non-profit members of Ruth's have a huge impact on my community - the new public store allows Maine's small business owners a place to go to get discounted supplies, and saves them TONS of money. I could go on and on about Ruth's, but the best way to learn about what they do is to go there and check it out for yourself. There should be a resource center in every major city in the U.S. - Why do businesses throw away brand new supplies? Why should we allow those things to clutter up landfills? If you are "Green", you'll LOVE Ruth's. If you are an educator - you'll NEED Ruth's, and if you are an artist, you won't believe the number of items available to you. Check it out!

I love Ruth's! The resources have made a tremendous impact in my classroom and helped provide supplies that my students desperately needed.

My school district joined Ruth's for the first time this year. What an amazing place! I have used other resource centers closer to my place of work, but nothing compares to Ruth's. The materials and supplies are well-organized and in abundance. The facility is very clean and well-lit. I expected to leave with a few items for a specific learning project. Instead, I filled a grocery cart to overflowing with new books for my students, markers, backpacks, binders, assorted craft supplies, contact paper, fabrics, yarn, pens, paper, white board supplies, and the list goes on and on. Budgets are extremely tight and I usually spend $1,000+ each year of my own money to supply my classroom. Now that I know the types of things I can find at Ruth's I will be able to use my small classroom budget for those hard to get items. My students are loving the "fishing games" I found at Ruth's. What a great way to improve fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. We need more places like this, especially with the current economic situation.

Ruth's is one of the best resources for teachers. With budget cuts and things getting tighter and tighter in regards to money and resources, having Ruth's helps. I have been able to get books for my library, paper supplies, envelopes, office supplies, fun games, math and science materials...the list goes on. I try to go at least once a month and each time it's an adventure.

It is so easy to spend part of your paycheck on supplies for the students, so it's SO nice to have Ruth's. She saves me a bundle---from binders to tape dispensers to paper and books. There are prizes for the kids and pencils and markers.....it's an amazing place. Each time I go I come away with something unique and special----something I can't wait to put to use in my classroom. Ruth, her husband, and her cadre of volunteers are tireless, and believe me, we ALL appreciate it.

What would I do without Ruth's? With no annual budget for supplies, I rely on Ruth's to supply me with materials that I use to provide speech and language therapy to my special education students. Thank you Ruth!

With budget cuts deeper EVERY year...Ruth's allows me to keep my classroom running smoothly with the basic (and sometimes no-so-basic) supplies i need to help kids learn. From paper to pencils to chairs to books to prizes to cds and more, you name it.... resources from Ruth's help shelter my students from constant cuts at the state and federal levels. Thanks for caring Ruth's !!!!

Ruth's is an amazing resource for schools and business (giving them a chance to recycle unwanted goods). Another persons trash.....

For our school, Ruths-Reusable-Resources has been a blessing. With so many needs for our classroom, administration, etc., Ruths has filled the gaps and kept costs down for us. The whole philosophy of Ruths-Reusable-Resources is one we all need to adopt today. We need to think about reusing or giving to a non-profit that offers our "junk" to be a need filled somewhere else. Ruths-Reusable-Resources allows us to help our community and get help when we have a need. Ruths connects us together, fills needs, and helps us reuse supplies, computers, furniture, etc!

As coordinator of work experiences for our school district Ruth's has beed able to provide students with equipment that I have no budget for.
Ruth's Reuseables has also been at terrific work experience site for many of our students with diverse special needs.

My room is filled with furniture, equipment, and materials from Ruth's. In these hard economic times, we are fortunate to have Ruths to supply us with the materials we need to teach! Last year, I was overwhelmed with my math materials everywhere. At Ruth's I found these wonderful drawers to organize my math! Other teachers were so impressed, they went in the next weekend to get some for their classroom.
Students enjoy using the envelopes to write letters to each other. Every year, I make a special trip to load up on recycled materials so students in my Kindergarten class can design and make a vehicle. I am amazed at what they make with junk art! I love Ruths!!!

Everywhere you look in my classroom are materials from Ruth's. I have bookcases, books for my classroom library, art supplies, pencils, tape, erasers, report covers for poetry books, binders for Reader's Workshop, paper for photocopying, low stools to sit on at the circle and many other wonderful materials. The materials have provided great organization in my classroom and an an opportunity to provide students with materials for enrichment activities. I feel so fortunate to have Ruth's as a resource for my school.

Ruth's is a wonderful resource for classroom teachers. I have built my classroom library with good used quality books from Ruth's. Every visit there is an opportunity to get pencils, notebooks, items for projects, poster board, too many things to name. Ruth's is great.

Ruth's Recyclable's is an amazing place. Take last Saturday, I went to get just a few items my class is short on, like pencils and 3 hole punch paper. But by the time I left I found so many other things, from a combination lock to a set of easy to read books for my students. It serves such a valuable purpose to teachers and our students. From glue to paper, from odd art stuff to pencil lead, from a box of tissues to calculators, some weeks you just don't know what you will find but it is always practical and useful. Join me in supporting Ruth's!!!

Ruth's is not only a great place for teachers to get needed supplies. It also gives companies a place to donate items that they no longer need. In the past, many of these organizations put these items into a dumpster. Now, they can help teachers, students, and the environment by recycling them at Ruth's.

Ruth's is a needed resource for schools and teachers. As budgets decline, obtaining materials at Ruth's becomes even more valuable to supplement classroom needs . The customer service and organized layout make "shopping" at Ruth's a pleasure---even more so because there is always an unexpected surprise item. Additionally, RUth's allows for the throw-outs at one workplace become treasures at another.

With the budget cuts schools are making and no relief in sight, Ruth's is and will be so important for teachers and students. THANK YOU for all that you provide!!! You certainly have helped many people for many years!

Ruth's Reusable Resources has been a wonderful place for teachers to find materials for immediate use in the classroom. Ruth's finds furniture as well. I am currently using bookcases, a teacher desk, a teacher chair and file cabinet which I obtained at Ruth's. I find birthday banners (little plastic flags) for students, paper, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, books, art supplies and much more at Ruth's to use in the classroom. Since our schools are purchasing very little, Ruth's supports the classroom in many areas.

Ruth's is an amazing resource. I have been able to fill in gaps in my supplies when my responsibilities at work have changed and I did not have the items I needed and there was no additional funding to purchase supplies. I rely on Ruth's for a wide variety of materials and am always thrilled to find what I need. The staff are also exceptionally helpful.

Ruth's has helped us so much, being able to receive supplies that we don't have to purchase out of our own pockets. It would be a shame not to be able to have the resource that we have with Ruth's.

Awesome and helpful to all teachers and staff. It is great that these thousands of items are not thrown away, but reused for great purpose within classrooms. I can't wait to go again and see what it there...kinda like Marden's: Should of grabbed it when I saw it cuz it may not be there next time! Thanks Ruth's for being available, organized, helpful and friendly. We appreciate it.

Ruth's has been instrumental in providing our school district with furniture, resources, educational materials and books. During these tough economic times, Ruth's has really pulled through. I am also amazed and impressed by the wonderful customer service I receive every time I go to Ruth's. I also appreciate how organized and supportive they are of education and children. One direct example of their customer service was when Ruth went to the warehouse to find me extra Everyday Math Materials. Our district is starting this program in the fall and Ruth allowed me to gather materials to help our staff learn about the program.

Since my first trip to Ruth's last Spring to my nearly weekly trips since the beginning of this school year I wonder how i ever got along without Ruth's as a resource.

The staff is friendly and incredibly helpful. The facility is clean and well organized.

I teach over 600 students each school year and do not have a textbook. Consequently, I develop a number of handouts each year. In the past this has amounted to thousands of copies each year. The free resources I have collected this year have allowed me to create notebooks of resources, everything from matching 3 ring binders (for a class of 35), the copy paper, to plastic sleeves to put each handout in to prevent wear and tear. These notebooks can be used every year and make it simple to add or revise materials. This alone has saved our school a significant amount of money and is great for the environment! Additionally, the countless other supplies mean I can pass out a pencil to an unprepared student and provide other materials to be used during class time. I can't ever imagine going back to a time without R.R.R.

I have been to Ruth's on many occasions to find materials needed for the classroom. I have never been disappointed with finding materials to meet my needs. I appreciate the recycle program that Ruth's employs as it allows local companies the chance to donate materials that would be discarded and local educators to use these donations in their classrooms for the students benefit.

Ruth's is a fantastic source for necessary supplies for my classroom. They provide an essential resource for teachers in the area who want to stay green!

Ruth's provides an invaluable service to the teaching community. In a time when school budgets are getting smaller and smaller, it's comforting to know there is a place like Ruth's that teachers can go to for classroom supplies.

I have been getting supplies from Ruth's for 10 years. I don't know what I would do without Ruth's. This resource has allowed me to add experiences into my teaching that would otherwise not be possible. It is a wonderful resource for paper, pens, envelopes, books, prizes, and craft materials that I would not have free access to at school. In these times of reduced school budgets, Ruth's is a bright spot. Ruth's allows us to continue to provide the best possible experiences for our students.

Ruth works tirelessly to continue to gather materials for teachers to have and use to improve their students' experiences. I can't thank Ruth's enough for all the materials I have gotten for free over the many years.

Ruth's is an invaluable part of the teaching community. I have been visiting Ruth's for close to 10 years. Without materials that she offers I would not be able to supply my classroom with the necessary materials needed due to budget shortfalls and the recession. I count on Ruth's and usually make at least 1 trip per month. Ruth's is number 1.

Ruth's is an excellent source of information, supplies and materials for anything and everything in education. The staff are friendly and helpful and the FREE store is very organized and accessible. I can't say enough good things about the great experiences I've had at 3R's.

I love going to Ruth's! With school budgets being cut each year, it's great to be able to get a wide variety of supplies that I can use in my classroom. Each time I go there I find something that sparks a new idea for a student activity that I wouldn't be able to do without their reusable or new resources. The staff is very friendly and helpful too. Thanks for all that you do for us.

I am a new teacher and have recently discovered Ruth's. I have been paying out of pocket for all of my classroom supply needs and still unable to get all that I need. Without Ruth's, I don't know what I would do. I have come to rely on the service/materials that they offer. I have never seen an organization so dedicated to utilizing the resources they have and collaborating with other groups so to help educators provide for our kids. I love Ruth's! I look forward to my Saturdays "shopping" there and finding inspiration with what they have to offer. I know many other educators who also have come to rely on Ruth's and appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to help benefit our kids. THANK YOU RUTH! My students and I are incredible grateful.

Ruth's is a resource for teachers. Items are donated by local companies such as LL Bean, US Felt MFG, Fibercraft, and Big Al's. The items donated consist of used binders, overstock office supplies, felt scraps or stickers. Teachers, whose school is registered, can pick out items of their choice to bring back to their classroom. Today I got everything from felt scraps which will be used as filters in science class, pencils, used binders, and mesh bags which will be used for leaf litter macro-invertebrate lessons. Empty unused plastic chowder containers and paint brushes will be used to hold materials for building anatomical models. The facility is very well organized, clean and carefully monitored.

Ruth's Reusable Resources is nothing short of a miracle. The tons and tons of resources they have kept out of the waste stream and given away to schools is unbelievable. What is even more unbelievable is how much business and industry throw away. Then along comes Ruths and takes it all and passes it along. If you ever saw their warehouse and then saw the wonderful service and amazing people behind this effort you would give them any award you could dream up. Our school feels their work and generosity every day. We are committed to being environmental stewards at our school and Ruth's help us do this is a big way. For example, we have not bought a three ring binder, pencils, pens, art paper, envelopes, tables, pencil sharpeners, folders, or notebooks in three years because of them.

It's hard to imagine how much brand new stuff businesses have to give away. It's very different in schools. Ruth's gives businesses a way to turn a terrible waste into a beautiful gift. Decent office furniture in a school is almost non-existent. What teacher would order himself a new chair? He would feel as if he were cheating his students out of some scarce supplies. The principal has a desk held together with strips of wood and dry wall screws. A drawer front is held on with duct tape. She wouldn't order a new desk. She would be embarrassed and the voters might be angry. Ruth's gives the folks a chance for new or nearly new stuff they would otherwise never get. The Ruth's crew is mostly volunteers and yet they know their way around the warehouse. They're brisk and efficient and friendly. Someone there does a terrific job training volunteers.

Ruth, Mary and all the rest of the crew provide a much needed service to us. Without them, we would do without. When I drive my truck to Ruth's, I feel like I'm on the Polar Express. When I get back to my school, I'm a believer again.

Every time I sit down in my chair at my desk, I have Ruth's to thank. Whenever I need oversized paper for a large project, I have Ruth's to thank. When I see some cool recycled item that sparks a new and exciting lesson plan, I have Ruth's to thank. When budgets keep shrinking and class sizes expand I thank my lucky stars that Ruth's is there to fill the gaps. Over the years I have created many lesson plans that use all recycled materials from Ruth's. What a lifesaver!

I couldn't run my class without Ruth's Reusable Resources. Several times a year I go to get pencils, rulers, scissors, crayons, paper and other supplies for my kindergarten students. It is a great resource to have. They outreach to businesses in the area to donate supplies they do not need and teachers are able to build creative lesson plans around these materials. By finding a second use for these supplies we are keeping them from the trash, which helps the environment as well as providing needed resources to schools. It is a double benefit for all of us in the community!

Each time I go to Ruth's Reusable Resources, I not only find the staff very helpful with finding necessary supplies for my classroom, but I also find they are always looking for ways they can improve what they have to offer our schools. Thousands of my students have benefited from the supplies I have brought back from this store. I hope they can not only keep things going, but find support to grow even more!

From a teacher in a southern Maine high school

During these most challenging budget times, Ruth Libby, her staff, and volunteers should be credited with helping to keep many school district supply budges from completely going under. Her vision, to bring gently used or surplus items from local businesses to school departments is not only fiscally responsible, but environmentally friendly as well. The simple fact is that these items are completely usable, but otherwise would be discarded. "Ruth's" allows this not to occur, but also gives a second lease on life for the items that would otherwise end up in the trash. Personally, I am going on my third year at "zero" budget- NOT zero increase, but "0-" for my classroom, and the students I have get exactly what they need for their educational process. Ruth is the best!