A little known, but very influential non-profit organization in St. Charles is Leftovers Etc., located at 1759A Scherer Parkway. Leftovers Etc. has been in business since 1997, and helps people with special needs, provides miscellaneous supplies for schools and scouting groups, and keeps tons of garbage out of landfills. “Our intent is to be a recycling center,” Executive Director Sandy O’Dell said. “We want to teach recycling by doing rather than by talking.” O’Dell controls all of the store’s general operations and schedules appointments while Store Manager Norma Holt makes crafts to be sold in the store and holds programs for those with mental disabilities. The main focus of Leftovers Etc. is to help children and adults with special needs through work programs and crafts. Adults and students with special needs can make appointments to go to Leftovers Etc. for a few hours to help sort through the recyclables or make crafts. Leftovers Etc. also gives those who are served by special needs organizations an opportunity to work and feel productive, in order for them to feel like they are making a contribution. “They like coming in and helping because they see it as them going to work,” Holt said. Leftovers Etc. also works with foundations that help people with special needs, such as the Pujols Foundation, RHD-Missouri, and Willows Way. “I enjoy all types of crafts, and I think the people I work with do too,” Associate of Willows Way Sherry Jeffries said. “We’re always looking for something new and fun to do.”

Leftovers Etc. doesn’t only help those with special needs. They also help students and teachers in schools throughout the county by providing supplies for whatever they may need. Each year, the organization provides supplies, such as paper, markers, and paint brushes for more than 300,000 school children. “You don’t need to worry about getting what you need for school,” O’Dell said. “Your teacher can just come here and get it.” Leftovers Etc. also has a volunteer program for students age 16 or older. Some of these volunteering opportunities include tasks such as stocking shelves and filling special orders. Volunteers can also help conduct field trips, workshops and birthday parties. “They learn organizational skills and the value of service to other people,” Holt said. “ They learn what can and cannot be recycled, otherwise it wouldn’t get done. If we didn’t have the volunteers, you wouldn’t be able to shop.” Leftovers Etc. has been serving the community since 1989. This business is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed Friday and Sunday. Donations can be dropped off in a green table by the hallway containing stickers and markers. All packages and items with must be marked with the donator’s name and phone number. Over the years, O’Dell and Holt have grown Leftovers Etc. into an organization that serves hundreds of thousands of people each year in many different ways. “We’re very fortunate to do what we do and work with the people that we work with,” Holt said.