Questions from donors and neighbors
Open a question below to read the answer. If you need more information, please send us a message.
How is Sophia doing?
For updates about Sophia and her journey, please visit SophiaCline.org.
How often can I arrange a pickup?
Whenever you are ready, you may submit an Arrange pickup request. We will review the items, location, and availability and then contact you to coordinate.
Is Cline's Recycling a registered company?
Cline's Recycling is a family fundraiser rather than a conventional recycling company. For tax and administrative purposes, the fundraiser is registered as a doing-business-as name, or DBA, in Williamson County, Texas.
If recycling services must register with the state, are you registered with Texas?
Cline's Recycling does not operate a recycling plant or convert recyclable material into new products. We collect material for the fundraiser and may compact or crush certain material to make storage, transportation, or weighing more efficient. The recyclables are then sold to established recycling companies operating in Texas.
Based on the fundraiser's present activities, it does not operate as a state-registered recycling processor. Registration requirements can depend on the exact activity, so the requirements will be reviewed if the fundraiser's operations materially change.
How can I trust the fundraiser if I do not know you personally?
We understand that impersonation and fundraising scams are real concerns. You are welcome to send a general inquiry. We can arrange a meet-and-greet in a mutually agreed public location and provide additional information about the fundraiser.
You do not have to begin with a large donation. We are willing to start small, communicate clearly, and earn your trust over time while working to help the community, the environment, and Sophia.
Where is Cline's Recycling based?
The fundraiser is based in Cedar Park, Texas.
How long has the Cline's Recycling fundraiser been operating?
The fundraising initiative has operated intermittently over the last five years.
Is there a newsletter or notification list for times when more recyclables are needed?
Yes. Use our contact form to request inclusion in fundraiser newsletters or recyclable-needs notifications.
How can I leave the newsletter or notification list?
Simply send the request through our contact form. We will remove your contact information from future optional fundraiser announcements.
I received a fundraiser communication without giving you my contact information. How did you get it?
Limited outreach information may come from a publicly available source or may have been shared with us by someone who believed you would be interested in the fundraiser. We use such information only where permitted by law, and we do not sell contact information.
If you do not want further announcements, use our contact form and we will honor the request.
Where is the money kept after it is raised?
Fundraiser proceeds are generally placed in a high-yield savings account or a comparable interest-bearing account so the funds can continue earning interest while being reserved for their intended purpose.
Will the fundraiser disclose its financial results?
If the fundraising initiative raises more than $5,000 in a calendar year, we plan to begin publishing a summary of its fundraising financial results. The initiative has operated intermittently in this form, and no prior year has produced financial gains close to $5,000.
On your site, you mention “processed recyclable material” more than once. What does that mean?
“Processed” means that we received donated material and reviewed it to determine the most appropriate next step. We either kept suitable material to be sold for the fundraiser or donated suitable items to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization.
Why do products cost $1–$2 more online than they do in person?
Operating the online marketplace costs money. In-person sales do not have the same website-related costs, so their prices may be $1–$2 lower.
How much does it cost to have a product shipped to me?
We do not mark up shipping. You pay only the amount it costs us to ship the product to you.
How soon will my order be shipped?
We try to ship orders within 12–24 hours after the purchase and shipping arrangements are completed.
If I order online and pick up the product in person, will I be charged for shipping?
No. There is no shipping charge when you arrange to pick up the product in person.
I do not have any items to donate. Can I make a financial donation?
Yes. You can make a financial donation through the PayPal donation page linked from SophiaCline.org.
Why aren't you using an established marketplace such as eBay or Amazon?
Established marketplaces generally retain a portion of each transaction. We want to keep as much of each sale as possible available for the fundraiser.
What payment methods do you accept for marketplace purchases?
We are flexible and can accept payment through legal and legitimate channels, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Cash App, PayPal, and cash. Available methods will be confirmed when we arrange the purchase.
How do I pay for a marketplace product?
Click the Ask About This Item button on the product that interests you. Let us know how you want to receive the item and make payment, and we will contact you to complete the arrangements.
Why doesn't the marketplace have an integrated cart and checkout system?
We have not yet found a suitable payment provider that supports all the payment channels we want to offer. Once we find an appropriate provider, we plan to integrate it into the marketplace workflow.
Still have a question?
Send us a general inquiry and we will be happy to help.
Contact the fundraiser