LENOIR CITY, Tenn. — On Thursday, Oct. 23, members of the Kiwanis Club of Tellico Village delivered their 100th bench to Spring Place Senior Living Apartments.

The bench that was delivered to Spring Place is made completely out of recycled caps.

In total, 200 pounds worth of recycled caps can result in a bench being made.


ABOVE AND BEYOND

Originally, Tellico Village Kiwanis Club member Kevin Meyer wanted to deliver a bench to each school.

However, his project has gone above and beyond that goal in the past six years.

“My goal was to do a bench for every school in Loudon County,” Meyer said. “I did that in two years.

“There was a need for benches at other places like low-income housing, Boys and Girls Clubs, and The Child Advocacy Center.”

“We just kept pushing forward until we had 100 benches.”

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church was also in attendance at Spring Place Apartments in Lenoir City for the milestone event.

Along with the Kiwanis Club, they too donated to help give the senior residents a bench for their complex.

Church pastor Mark Rhoads led the group in prayer in the midst of pictures and setting the bench up alongside the leasing office of the complex.

Meyer expressed gratitude to Loudon County for supporting the Kiwanis Club’s mission in making this happen.

“I would like to thank the community for sponsoring this product,” Meyer said. “It gives people a good feeling when they recycle.”

LOCAL SPONSORS PLAY KEY ROLE

Funding is needed to turn recycled caps into benches for people to sit on.

Meyer said that he receives more caps per week than he used to. That, in turn, has meant more help may be needed with making the actual benches.

The Kiwanis Club representative talked about how sponsors from around the Loudon County community can play a key role.

“Every bench that I make, I ask for sponsorship for it,” Meyer explained. “I’ve tapped a lot of people and are looking for businesses and churches to help out.”

Meyer said that he can put 50 benches together next year for the community with the supply of materials he is getting.

To contact the Kiwanis Club of Tellico Village and for more information, you can visit tellicolife.org/kiwanis.