ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Assemblymember Anna Kelles is doing her part to reduce unnecessary waste this holiday season.

Kelles is inviting her constituents to donate excess gift-wrapping items for the community to use instead of throwing them out or buying more. Each year in America, an estimated 2.3 million pounds of gift wrapping ends up in landfills.

“I’m sure that many people are like me and have too many gift bags and tags stored at home, more than they need,” said Kelles. “Gift wrap may seem like a small issue, but taking small steps to change our habits to reduce waste and focus on reuse can have a large impact if we do so as a community.”

Donations of wrapping paper, gift bags, shirt boxes, gift tags, ribbons, and bows can be dropped off at the Ithaca District Office at 130 East State Street from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays through December 20. Starting today, the public is invited to bring gifts to the office during those same times to wrap presents with the donated materials.

“I know that many of my constituents have been prioritizing waste reduction and reuse for decades, so I am happy to coordinate this holiday project,” said Kelles. “I also hope that residents save this year’s wrapping so we can reuse again next year.”

Kelles is additionally hosting an open house at the Ithaca District Office from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 20. Light refreshments will be served and Kelles and her staff will wrap gifts that attendees bring.