Oct. 22, 2008
Recycled can donations on Nov. 15 will benefit Toys for Tots
America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, is a national event of the National Recycling Coalition to encourage people to recycle and to buy recycled products. Locally, Pima Association of Governments is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps to collect aluminum cans between 8 a.m. and noon at various drop-off locations. (See list below or visit www.PAGnet.org and click on event listing under PAG Alert.)
The theme of the event is "Support Toys for Tots with Cans for Kids." Proceeds from the donated aluminum cans will be returned to the Marines for their Toys for Tots program. The program provides toys to needy children during the holiday season.
Marines will be stationed at the drop-off sites to assist with collecting donated aluminum cans and also will accept any unwrapped, unopened toy donations. Tucson Iron and Metal, a local recycling firm, will accept the cans and issue a check to Toys for Tots representing the value of the recycled cans.
“Our goal is to bring as many toys as possible to the children who will need them,” said Gunnery Sergeant Gibson, regional coordinator of this year’s annual U.S. Marine Reserve Toys for Tots drive. “The funds raised through recycling aluminum cans will be turned into toys and we appreciate the opportunity to participate in this unique effort organized by PAG.”
Mrs. Tiggy Winkles Toys is the “official” event toy store and will provide a discount for toys purchased at the store with the proceeds. "We are very pleased to be a part of this effort to encourage recycling. It’s a win-win for the environment and for the children who will find a Mrs. Tiggy Winkle toy in their stocking on Christmas Day,” said David Correa, of Mrs. Tiggy Winkles Toys.
Other participants include the City of Tucson and various Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts in the region.
"This is a great opportunity to fulfill the vision of America Recycles Day by turning cans into toys for tots. Each recycled aluminum can saves an enormous amount of energy. Far too many cans end up in landfills and we need to turn that around," said Dennis Dickerson, PAG's event coordinator. One ton of cans will generate about $1,000.
Benefits of Recycling Aluminum
Aluminum may be recycled over and over. Recycling aluminum also saves an incredible amount of energy – recycling one ton of aluminum cans saves as much energy as the average home would use in 10 years. Recycling means that aluminum cans do not end up in a landfill and, instead, will be put to a good use as a new product.
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