Gilbert, Ariz. - “I have always said that I wanted to make a living from my giving."

Four million bras later and it’s safe to say Elaine Birks-Mitchell and her husband, Johnny Mitchell Jr., have done just that – and on a global scale.

The Gilbert residents opened The Bra Recyclers in 2008 and, in partnership with Bra Recycling Ambassadors, have donated more than four million new and pre-owned bras to women and girls around the world.

“People don’t understand the impact a bra can truly have for a woman or girl in need," Birks-Mitchell said. 

The Bra Recyclers helps women and girls escaping domestic violence and human trafficking, battling homelessness, facing hardships due to cultural barriers and traditions and breast cancer survivors who don’t have insurance or cannot afford prosthesis and mastectomy bras.

“What has also been interesting is to hear people say, ‘I would never wear a used bra.’

Typically, my response is if you could walk in the shoes of a woman or girl who does not have one – and they are just trying to go to school or minimize their appearance as a woman on the street so they don’t get attacked – you might think differently.”

The Bra Recyclers is a proud Green Gilbert Business Partner, a town program that recognizes local businesses who are committed to pollution prevention, water conservation and waste reduction.

“Our goal is to help extend the lifecycle of new and pre-loved garments going to our landfills which thus reduces raw material consumption, pollution and waste.”

The impacts that Elaine and Johnny have made since opening The Bra Recyclers more than a decade ago are undeniable. This Black History Month, Gilbert is recognizing community members who are working to make our world a better place.

“I believe you can see a problem and hope someone does something about it or you can do something about it.”

To learn more about The Bra Recyclers, including information on how to donate your bras, visit brarecycling.com.