For those of you who have been saving your printer’s ink jet cartridge and mailing them in for recycling in plastic envelopes provided by OVEC – First, thanks for taking the time to recycle. You’ve kept some plastic out of the waste stream and you’ve helped OVEC’s cash stream.

Unfortunately, we have recently received word that the program has been discontinued. If OVEC can find a new cost-effective cartridge return program, we will alert you via e-mail and our website.

Another way to support OVEC has taken off. Remember, if you shop at Krogers, you can have 5 percent of the money you spend go to OVEC.

Copy and fill out the form below, then mail it to OVEC along with a $20 check made payable to OVEC. Write "Kroger gift card" in the memo line. We will purchase and send to you a $20 Kroger gift card. Each gift card is rechargeable.

Here’s where donations to OVEC come in. Every time you buy groceries for any amount using your gift card, OVEC will receive a donation equal to 5 percent of your purchase total.

Once you have received the gift card from OVEC, all you have to do is to keep it recharged and OVEC will continue to benefit from your purchases. It’s important to use your gift card regularly so OVEC receives the 5 percent. (A gift card with a zero balance for 90 days will be voided out of the system.)

When your balance is zero, don’t throw it away, but have it recharged for any amount up to $500. Go to any Kroger’s customer service desk prior to shopping and add whatever amount you want. Remember that you have to have an adequate amount on the gift card to cover your purchase BEFORE you get to the register.

Also, Kroger is not responsible for lost, damaged or destroyed cards.