ACADIA Donation Helps Many Local Organizations

 December 3, 2013 - San Diego – ACADIA Pharmaceutical and Sustainable Surplus Exchange (SSE) have arranged the donation of excess office furniture and supplies to seven local nonprofit organizations. Sustainable Surplus Exchange (SSE), a nonprofit which receives donated assets from companies and repurposes them to local schools and charitable organizations, hosted an asset exchange at ACADIA.  The donated items included desks, file cabinets, lockers, electronics, and office and lab supplies.

 Much of the furniture was custom built and very heavy.  “Our first attempt proved impossible, trying to lift the items onto trucks,” said SSE executive director Sue Prelozni.  So they enlisted the help of the local military group, Army Strong, to help with the move and transportation.

When ACADIA scaled back its operations to focus on its research, fewer office and laboratory supplies were needed. “Taking sustainable measures to manage our surplus just makes sense,” said Lynne Buhl, 

ACADIA’s facilities director.   “The fact that ACADIA chose the donation channel for repurposing its surplus is a wonderful testament to their sense of social responsibility,” said Prelozni. Additionally, donating to SSE keeps thousands of pounds of solid waste from the landfill.  “Choosing donation over disposal is a win-win for the environment and the community,” added Prelozni. 

The beneficiaries included San Diego Unified School District, Tecate Missionary School, Pioneer Day School, Bellamente Charter School, North County Lifeline, Phoenix House, and the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club. In addition hundreds of SSE-member organizations have access to the remaining items via the online Exchange.  The Exchange membership is free to educational and charitable organizations.  The only requirement is to register at SSE’s website:  www.sustainablesurplus.org

Volunteers from the US Army Oceanside Recruiting Center were Heroes of the day!  SSG  Emmanuel Mendy, SSG Gene Burgess, SSG David Desanges, SFC Channcy Croker, and SSG Lucas Rutledge.