Special Guest Lisa Rodrigues of The SHAREcenter joins Host Ruby Bean, Kelsey Cote, and Broadcaster John Williams in the studio.

The SHAREcenter's mission is to rescue reusable resources to support Maine's environment, education and economy. With a central location in Lewiston and an annex location in Topsham, The SHAREcenter "helps the helpers" throughout Maine communities by providing classroom materials, office supplies, arts and crafts materials, furniture and more through its co-op program. Schools, nonprofits, and municipalities pay a nominal annual fee to become a SHAREcenter member, and teachers and staff may then "shop" at either center location throughout the year for no additional charge. The donated, reusable resources available at The SHAREcenter not only provide valuable economic savings, but every piece of furniture and material is "saved" from filling up overflowing landfills.

Originally established over 20 years ago to provide teachers with basic STEM supplies collected from donors (paper towel tubes , plastic containers, glass jars etc.), The SHAREcenter has now grown to provide many different programswith much needed materials. Members are welcome from all over the state, and the organization hopes to grow to multiple centers throughout Maine to better serve more children and those most in need.

SHAREcenter Locations and Hours

Lewiston - 880 Lisbon Street (the old Martel School building)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2-4:45pm
The first two Saturdays of the month 9-11:45am

Topsham - 376 Republic Drive (directly across for Mt. Ararat Middle school)
Wednesdays 2-4:45pm
The third Saturday of the month 9-11:45am

Please note: SHAREcenter follows the Auburn Public School calendar and opens mid-August in preparation of the upcoming schoolyear. Both locations close at the beginning of June for summer break and to prepare for the following season.

Join the S.O.S. (Save Our SHAREcenter) Committee!The SHAREcenter will soon lose its home in Lewiston as plans are underway to tear down the old school building housing the center to build much needed new, affordable housing for the elderly. The SHAREcenter is dedicated to keeping this most needed program alive and growing, and is looking for a warehouse space with about 20 thousand square feet to support its current programming and planned growth in the future. More volunteers are always welcome!

For more information and to get involved, please visit The SHAREcenter on Facebook or call (207) 333-6671.

A special thanks to Broadcaster John Williams and the Williams Broadcasting Group for producing the podcast.