Local recycling firm donates 700 pairs of footwear for children
FSM Recycling, a local company engaged in solid waste management, has donated 700 pairs of footwear for children through the church-based charitable organization Karidat and other community groups.
In a statement to Variety on Thursday, FSM Recycling owner Mike Jang said he was taking a break from his hectic day late last year at Paupau Beach in San Roque when he noticed children walking on the beach barefoot. It turned out that the children were doing a beach cleanup, he said.
Jang said he was concerned about the children’s safety and the potential injuries that could occur if they accidentally stepped on glass, metal or other sharp objects.
Over the next several months, Jang said he worked with his contacts in Korea and coordinated the purchase and delivery to Saipan of 23 cases of footwear for children.
“FSM Recycling has done its part in the past, supporting various relief efforts and donating to the American Red Cross and other community partners, particularly following Super Typhoon Yutu. We thought this would be another way of giving back to the community that would allow our children to enjoy our beaches with the appropriate footwear,” Jang said.
Once the shipment arrived in early March, Jang said he reached out to Karidat and coordinated the distribution of the footwear to other service providers that will serve as distribution points.
In addition to Karidat, these include the CNMI Drug Court Program, the Center for Living Independently, the Division of Youth Services, CHCC Pediatrics, the Community Guidance Center, CHCC Maternal and Early Childhood Program and the CHCC Family Health Information Center.
“FSM Recycling is happy to collaborate with these important community partners, and is especially thankful for the assistance Karidat has provided in connecting us to the appropriate organizations to benefit our children,” Jang said.