Back to Table of Contents

Cans are financial salvation for churches

Bingo, raffles and pancake breakfasts step aside! Make way for aluminum can recycling. Whether to meet ever-increasing operating expenses or fund charitable projects, congregations have discovered the benefits of recycling.

Medford, Mass. - The First Community United Methodist Church made its members more comfortable on wintry Sundays by raising $10,000 over five years to pay the church's heating bills.

Red Bank, N.J. - The First Baptist Church sponsored a beach cleanup and concert for area teens. By picking up aluminum cans an area hospital had been paying to have removed, the church earned $300 toward the event, and continues to raise about $200 a month recycling.

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The Calvary United Methodist Church literally cloaked itself in aluminum. To create awareness and excitement about recycling, some women members sponsored a fashion show, sporting the latest in aluminum can dresses, bracelets, necklaces and other accessories. The church's six-year recycling effort allows its soup kitchen to feed 300 people a day.

Evansville, Ind. - St. John's United Church of Christ started a recycling drivce to help purchase a van to transport elderly and handicapped members to church. The van now brings 10 parishoners each week.

Bear, Del. - "Get Your Can to Church" is the rallying cry that spurs the Union United Methodist Church to raise $2,500 for carpeting at the Sunday School. Church members collecting cans in their neighborhoods and bringing them from home have raised $500 in just three months.