Daughters Eilene Johnson and Marlene Packer with their mother, Laura Etta Metz, pause while loading newspapers for recycling for T-T Camp Fire USA at the Tama recycling site at 5th and Harding in Tama on Wednesday, Oct. 19. News-Herald/John Speer

Collecting newspapers to benefit the local Camp Fire USA group has been a way of life for nearly 40 years for current leader Sara Feisel, rural Tama. Her long service is surpassed only by Laura Etta Metz, Tama, who was a longtime Campfire USA leader, and along with her late husband Bob, was collecting newspapers for nearly 50 years.

Tama Paperboard, the paper mill, has been the mainstay as a supporter of the project as the buyer. “We’re treated as a business,” Sara Feisel says. “We are paid on the (market) price of newsprint – as the price goes up and down.”

Metz recalls paper drives with collections at curb side or door-to-door in the early days.

Today, bins are provided at the recycling collection sites in Tama and Toledo.

The proceeds from the sale of the newsprint benefit the local Camp Fire group allowing it to pay it’s own way.

“After paying registration, members never pay for anything more,” Feisel said. The revenue from the paper sales cover costs of craft materials, treats and trips the group takes. It even pays for registration fees for members who are unable to pay their own, Feisel said.

Feisel says the Tama-Toledo Camp Fire USA organization faces challenges today. “We need adult leaders,” she says noting there is no group for grade school age kids because no one has stepped forward to be a leader.

Not only are leaders needed but Feisel said any volunteer help is appreciated for the pick up of the newspapers from the collection boxes.

Feisel continues to lead a group of junior high and high school age members who now number five.

She said their only fund raising activity besides newspapers is the annual candy sales.

For more information on becoming a leader, volunteering or becoming a Campfire USA member, contact Sara Feisel – 641-484-6182.