Sitting atop a table next to 64-cubic-foot bins containing scores of recyclable materials was a large stuffed monkey. While dozens of shoes and other clothing items on the table or inside the bin will likely be recycled, the monkey may survive.

Maria Contreras, the Waukegan Park District’s communications supervisor, said the monkey, shoes, bicycles, electronics, books and much more were among the items community members brought to a recycling event over the weekend.

Rafael Ayala, the manager of park maintenance, said textiles like clothing, shoes and the monkey go to Keeping People Covered — a Waukegan not-for-profit organization that provides free personal items. Oscar Zavala, a Park District employee, hopes the monkey gets a home.

“It will make somebody very happy,” he said. “A boy or

See Full Page