Byron Rotary collecting can tabs for kids
Rotary Club of Byron announces a new service project – collecting can tabs to raise money for Ronald McDonald House!
Area bars and restaurants are saving can tabs in special buckets provided by Rotary; when full, the buckets will be collected and sent to recycling stations. All funds are donated to Ronald McDonald Houses in the Chicago suburbs and in Madison that serve families from this area whose seriously ill or injured children are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Participating Byron businesses include: Spanky’s, Weezy’s, the CAVE, Second Chance, Aero and Uptown Lanes. Other area business that serve canned beverages are welcome to participate by calling 815-234-2231 or emailing [email protected].
RMD Houses nationwide provide lodging and private bathrooms, home-cooked meals and children’s playrooms for families whose budgets are strained by medical costs: Families who cannot afford to pay stay for free; donations up to $25 per night are suggested for families who can afford it.
“The serious medical condition of a child is not only emotionally challenging but can be financially devastating, as well,” Byron Rotary President Kay King said. “Helping to defray the costs of lodging is one way communities can help support young families during the most difficult times in their lives.”
Under current aluminum recycling prices, it takes approximately 150 pounds of tabs to pay for one 24-hour stay at a RMD House. (A large zip-lock bag holds just over a pound of tabs); 1,267 tabs equals one pound.
“It may not seem like this effort makes a big impact,” Rotary member Betsy Floski said. “However, some communities have paid for as many as 80 nights of lodging for families; those donations allow RMD Houses to expand their offerings to include art therapy rooms, video stations and other activities for their guests. As an added bonus, it’s a green project, which is one focus of Rotary clubs.”
Rotary is an international organization of 1.2 million members in more than 35,000 clubs who unite worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and build good will. Rotary members volunteer more than 16 million hours every year.
Rotary Club of Byron meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at noon at the Byron Public Library. Guests are always welcome, and the club welcomes guest speakers. Contact Kay King at [email protected] with your level of interest.