Ronald McDonald House: Collect Pop Tabs for a Cause
Ranked #32 in Nonprofits, #5,361 overall
Something So Small Can Make a Big Difference
Turns out, he was collecting for a cause, not just for fun. All those pop tabs he puts in his Pringles can (or rather his mom the Dr. Pepper fiend) wind up going over to the Ronald McDonald House where they're sold to a recycling center. The money is then used to help pay for operations costs for running the house. (They have to pay the light bill somehow.)
So how many cans are you throwing in the recycle bin every day? (I know you aren't throwing them in the trash, right?) Take a second to pull the tab off before you toss the can and start your own collection for your local Ronald McDonald House. This is a great way to start training your kids to think of others and give back in the community.
Why Pop Tabs?
How can something so small help?
Recycling the tabs generates proceeds to donate to a local Ronald McDonald House. The tabs do not pay for treatment or night stays - only house operations. I read about one house that collected enough pop tabs in a year to put $8,000 toward operational costs. Nice!
Pop tabs are small and convenient to collect. Hundreds of thousands of pop tabs have been collected to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses.
1 pop tab is approximately 1 inch long
1,267 pop tabs make 1 pound
1 pound of aluminum can be sold for approximately 40¢
The House That Love Built
Dept 56 Ronald McDonald "The House That Love Built"
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Pop Tab Donation Resources
- Pop Top Collection Program
- More about the Ronald McDonald House program.
- Other Ways to Help
- If your local house doesn't participate, there are other ways you can help out.
- Ronald McDonald Charities
- Official website that tells all about the Ronald McDonald houses.
The average person drinks 12 cans of soda a week.
How to Participate in the Pop Tab Program
Your local Ronald McDonald House might have collection boxes you can use, but a container with a plastic lid you can cut a slot into works fine. My friend uses a Pringles can; a coffee can would also be great.
Have the tabs recycled in your community and mail the proceeds to your house.
Your local house might have a connection with a recycling center already where you can take the tabs directly. If they have an account set up, then the money can just go directly to the local house. Otherwise, you can just take the money and make a donation yourself. You might also check to see if they have a wish list set up somewhere where you can purchase items for the house with the money.
Drop off your tabs at the Ronald McDonald House.
My local house has made provisions for you to bring your tabs to the house to drop off in a collection container at the front door.
Note: Check with your local house to see if they participate in the program and how they prefer to have collections/donations done.
From the Heart of our House
From The Heart Of Our House
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Ronald McDonald Charities Beanie Bears
Ronald McDonald House Music
Ronald McDonald House Charities - Awards of Excellence
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Other Ways Pop Tabs Get Used
In case you don't want to donate them
Pop Tab Jewelry
$16.99 at Target.com
Pop Can Clutch
$40 at UncommonGoods
Pop Can Messenger Bag
$180 at UncommonGoods
Pop Can Shoulder Bag
$100 at UncommonGoods
Pop Tab Recycling: What's the Buzz?
- Gilbert girl's illness sparks can pop-tab drive at school
- 11, 2012, under Arizona Republic News Parents and students at Coronado Elementary School in Higley have launched an aluminum-can pop-tab drive to support the Ronald McDonald House after a first-grader developed a rare form of cancer.
- Every pop tab counts
- "But we are determined to reach the goal.'' Bradshaw said the class that turns in the most pop tabs will be treated to a pizza party in June. "We're also inviting the public to assist in this endeavour,'' she said. "Every pop tab counts.
Before you toss the empty can into the recycle bin, take off the tab!
Looking for More Interesting Ways to Help?
Do You Collect Pop Tabs?
Any tips to share? How'd you get involved? Here's your chance to shine!
Just looking for where to take your tabs? Give your local chapter a call to see if they take them.
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Cassie
Feb 13, 2012 @ 3:39 pm | delete
- My younger sister was ejected from a tumbling Ford Explorer at 70mph. She was airlifted to Little Rock's Children's Hospital that night. It was in the Ronald McDonald House where I lived for the first three days.. Thank you so much!
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staymor
Dec 22, 2011 @ 7:10 pm | delete
- Great cause!
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Angela_unLocked
Dec 16, 2011 @ 1:08 pm | delete
- I save pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, OH. My sister and her family stayed for two months after the birth of their daughter, Daphne. Daphne was born with a congenital heart defect called HLHS. We are very thankful to the RMH. They help keep families close in times of need. Thanks for this great lens!
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baby-strollers
Dec 13, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
- I like it! Such a small thing making a big difference....
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YolandaLacar
Nov 6, 2011 @ 1:16 am | delete
- never knew about this! thanks for sharing!
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