Kids CAN help

Kids CAN Help is raising funds for Medical Teams International by recycling pop cans. (Photo by Art King)

Caleb had the idea first at his birthday party. He asked friends coming to his party to bring money for Medical Teams International instead of birthday gifts. This led to more ideas for fund raising, including; “Dad, can us kids go out and collect pop cans in the neighborhood to raise money for Medical Teams International?”

It sounded like a fun idea, so one evening after supper off we went. Mom drove the van and stayed close by as the children went down the street pulling a little red wagon and carrying plastic garbage bags full of cans.

Soon the van was full and we were off to the grocery store. The children took over all the machines, and in no time they were coming home excitedly with the cash.

Recycled pop cans translate into cash vouchers, which means a growing donation fund.

From that first outing, the project has grown. The kids soon came up with a name for the club, a play on words: Kids CAN Help.

A number of friends have joined the club. Our 15-passenger van has patrolled many nearby neighborhoods this summer while children run from house to house, ring the doorbell and say, “We are collecting unrecycled cans and bottles to help Medical Teams International.”

Most people are both kind and generous. Several have given the kids cash donations in addition to their cans.

The Kids CAN Help club has earned $445, representing more than 9,000 cans and bottles. Enthusiasm continues to be high, with more collections planned.

Members of Kids CAN Help, pictured left to right: Luke Pastor (5), Theron King (9), Timothy Pastor (9), Caleb King (11), Scott Bingham (12), Taylor King (13), John Pastor (10), Willa King (7), Kaiulani Chamberlain (8). Not pictured: Jordan Johnson (12), Jamison Logan (9), Stevi Neufeld (7)

Kids CAN make a difference. You CAN do the same in your neighborhood.

Written by Art King, father of some of the Kids CAN Help members.

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