Teacher & Recraft
Store Hours:
Tuesday: 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Wednesday: 1:00pm - 5:30pm
Thursday: 1:00pm - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am-2:00pm
A Free Resource Hub for Teachers: Transforming Surplus Supplies into Valuable Tools for Our Schools
Our Story
3Rs is proud to celebrate over 30 years of dedicated service to schools and non-profits. Founder, Ruth Libby, began Ruth's Reusables Resources in the basement of her home in Scarborough and then to Bessey School and since, has grown into a 27,000-square-foot warehouse in Portland. Every day during the school year, countless children in Maine attend school without essential supplies like pencils and paper, while local businesses dispose of these very items. 3Rs expertly bridges this gap by redistributing unwanted supplies to students and their teachers, making a real difference in their lives.
Since our founding in 1994, we have proudly donated over $84 million worth of surplus furniture, paper, books, office supplies, and computers to schools and non-profits. Our efforts not only support education but also contribute positively to the environment and the community. Together, we are creating a brighter future for kids, fostering learning, and promoting sustainability—all while helping businesses reduce waste. Join us in making a meaningful impact!
The Environmental Impact
Meet Our Staff and Volunteers!
Board of Directors
Robin Day
Retired Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration at the University of Southern Maine’s former College of Education and Human Development, and sister to Ruth.
Since 3R’s inception, Robin has supported its mission through board membership, financial planning, and development of administrative policies. She is continually inspired by the incredible impact made by the dedicated staff and volunteers who serve countless teachers, students, and community members.
Carla Barron
Retired Special Educator & Board Member, Ruth’s Reusable Resources
As a retired special educator, Carla had the privilege of teaching at Governor Baxter School for the Deaf and Old Orchard Beach High School. Over the years, she has relied on Ruth’s Reusable Resources to source materials and gather ideas to support my students’ learning. She began volunteering with Ruth’s when it was still located at Bessy School, and has been a dedicated volunteer ever since.
During her time as a teacher, Carla found the sorting, organizing, and counting of donated materials to be not only productive but also incredibly meditative after a busy day in the classroom. Now, in retirement, that sense of fulfillment remains unchanged. She is fortunate to serve on the board of this incredible nonprofit, where I get an inside look at the vital work happening behind the scenes. Her role allows her to help expand the reach of this remarkable organization and explore new ways to involve the community.
What truly sets Ruth’s Reusable Resources apart is its unwavering commitment to serving teachers and students. I feel fortunate to be part of an organization that is dedicated to making education more accessible and sustainable for all.
Brenda Harrison
Casey brings her extensive experience in event planning, organization, and development to the board. Deeply committed to Ruth’s Reusable Resources, Casey believes that every student deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in school, and that access to essential supplies should never be a barrier to their success. She values the dedication of teachers and every aspect of their profession, and is passionate about supporting educators in meaningful ways. Casey wholeheartedly believes in Ruth's mission and is honored to contribute to making a difference in students' and teachers' lives.
Al Baker
Do you have a skill that could be beneficial to 3Rs and are interested in joining the board of directors? Contact: director@ruths.org