OUR MISSION:

The Orange County Creative Reuse Center (OCCR Center) is dedicated to reducing waste by diverting usable, donated materials from being discarded and into creative reuse for multicultural craft and art expression for all ages.

OUR PROGRAMS:

After 8 months, we have diverted nearly 1.7 tons of material, logged over 487 hours of volunteer time, donated materials to the Anaheim Central Library’s Native Art Festival, Tustin Art Walk, and The Heritage Museum of Orange County’s Dia de los Muertos, along with other independent community groups in Orange County like the Radical Sewing Club of OC, Queer Fiber Arts, and The OC Rapid Response Network, making grocery bags for those in need of aid.

Material Processing, Pop-Ups, Volunteering

We organize, clean and inspect donated materials like, paint, markers, and fabrics and make them available at our pop-ups. They are held twice per month, but this March, we will be having them every weekend, Saturdays and Sundays to help boost our efforts. Completely run by our passionate volunteers!

Check our calendar for details, volunteer opportunities, donation drop-offs, and location.

WHAT WILL THE FUNDS SUPPORT?

Building a donation center and community space involves manual work to collect materials, sort, organize, and plan programs. Although we are 100% volunteer run, there are many expenses to provide a clean and safe space to work. Funds will cover overhead costs such as rent, utilities, fixtures, start-up expenses, and volunteer care like snacks!

ABOUT US:

We are a group of local volunteers who are artists and crafters who also have professional backgrounds in design, teaching, business, and administration. The OCCR Center began in the summer of 2025 while Kimmy was volunteering at Remainders, a well known creative reuse center in Pasadena, which led to the opportunity to meet Robin, the founder and Executive Director, to become a fiscally sponsored community project.

A few of our past and present volunteers:

WILL YOU HELP US GET OUT OF THE GARAGE?

200 supporters x $25 dollars - this is our goal!

If you’re able, please consider donating to our March Campaign, or come to one of our pop-ups!

FAQs:

What is a Creative Reuse Center?

A creative reuse center (CRC) is a facility that collects discarded usable materials and redistributes them to the community at extra low to no costs, or donates them to teachers, organizations, or other groups for reuse in creative projects, art, and education. CRCs may have different programs, but these are some common features:

Alternative Recycling Center
Arts & Crafts Thrift Store
Learning Center
Gallery & Community Space

All across the country, creative reuse centers are transforming how communities think about waste and creativity. In Pasadena, Remainders, our fiscal sponsor, has diverted thousands of pounds of materials from landfills while giving teachers and artists affordable access to supplies. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Scraps has sustained itself for nearly 40 years, creating community programs around reuse.

There are over 120 creative reuse centers nationwide

This map shows that high to moderate population densities offer a creative reuse center in their areas.

WHY DO WE NEED ONE?

Waste and pollution continue to wreak havoc on our communities and we need more creative solutions to offset the effects.

What is Happening?

High Generation, Low Recycling Rates: The U.S. alone generates approximately 73 million metric tons of plastic annually, and only a small portion (5-6%) gets recycled
Lack of Solutions: Most thrift stores like the Goodwill and Salvation Army do not take raw materials like fabric.
Even as arts and crafts maintain trend, prices are rising, and resources are dwindling.

Our diverse art communities across the county are looking for a place to donate their cherished materials they no longer need. Meanwhile, teachers in our school districts spend hundreds of dollars of their own money just to supply their classrooms. Local artists often struggle with the cost of materials, while families look for affordable, creative activities.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! Both donated materials and financial contributions are tax deductible.

WHEN IS THE STOREFRONT OPENING?

That’s our dream! For now, we are working from the ground up, building toward our very own community center in Orange County!

On the Pursuit to build OC's Creative Reuse Center for All!

Help us get out of the garage and into an official community space!