A Cause to Collaborate

POLYWOOD is proud to help Niagara Cares and EarthX bring Sammie's Buddy Bench Project to more schools and community spaces across the country.  Join our mission to help kids cultivate friendships and build a more sustainable future!

“You don't have to be an adult to make a difference. You can be a kid too!”

- Sammie Vance

Bring a Buddy Bench to Your Playground

Thanks to the generosity of Niagara Cares and EarthX, you can get a Buddy Bench for your school or community group—for free! Here's how:

Step 1

Fill out the form below to sign up for POLYWOOD's Recycling Program.

Step 2

Collect 1,000 pieces of #2 HDPE plastic, like milk jugs and shampoo bottles (look for the "2" recycling symbol).

Step 3

Drop off the plastic at your local recycling center and send us a photo.

Step 4

We’ll send you a FREE 60” Buddy Bench in Green!

Once your school or community group is signed up, we’ll send you a welcome kit complete with:

  • A copy of Sammie Vance's book, Inspire the World: A Kid's Journey to Making a Difference
  • POLYWOOD x Sammie's Buddy Bench stickers
  • School Recycling Program classroom poster

Get Started

Sign up to join our recycling program and score your free Buddy Bench.


A Special Thank You From Sammie

Meet Our Partners

Niagara Cares is the philanthropic branch of Niagara Bottling, the largest family-owned bottled water company in the USA. For over 60 years, Niagara Cares has been committed to creating meaningful change in our communities through a spirit of giving back both big and small.

Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project was founded by Sammie Vance of Indiana in 2017 when she was just eight years old. The initiative continues to thrive, with hundreds of Sammie’s Buddy Benches now filling playgrounds and public spaces across the USA.

An environmental nonprofit operating on a global scale, EarthX is dedicated to educating and inspiring people and organizations to take action toward a more sustainable future worldwide. Since 2010, they’ve helped people connect and explore impactful solutions and innovations that benefit future generations.

"I am really excited about this partnership because we are coming together to encourage recycling and kindness. I can’t wait to see more Buddy Benches all around the country as a result!"

- Sammie Vance

Get Involved in a Great Cause

Join our growing group of schools and community groups who've earned a Buddy Bench!

*A limited number of free Buddy Benches are available on a first-come, first-served basis.