Children across Ardmore recently raised more than $1,000 for Ardmore Habitat for Humanity 1 cent — or one aluminum can — at a time.
As part of Habitat for Humanity’s “Kids Can” recycling contest, youth from across the city competed to see who could recycle the most pounds of aluminum cans. Ultimately, more than 2,700 pounds of cans were recycled, and more than $1,000 was raised to benefit Ardmore Habitat for Humanity.
Proceeds from recycling of the aluminum cans will go toward building a house for the next Habitat for Humanity homeowners, the Leroy Taylor family.
The contest’s reach, however, extends far beyond the funds raised by also providing participants a meaningful way to contribute to their community and improve the environment.
“It is vital to energize the next generation of Ardmoreites to assist the local community and be proactive with environmental issues,” said Norma Lynne Paschall, executive director of Ardmore Beautification Council and contest sponsor. “The contest allowed them to do both while still having fun.”
Winners in the younger age group (11 and younger) were Connor Byers (526 pounds), Kyleigh Roe (515 pounds) and Bailey Neiger (288 pounds).
Winners in the older age group (12 to 17) were Jacob Biber (183 pounds), Dillon McMains (84 pounds) and R.J. Yeager (37 pounds). Honorable mentions are Kathryn Beishline, Anthony Dirks, Jantzen Faulkner, Nikki Faulkner, Julie Grice, Logan Lee, Barrett Littlefield, Aaron Pitman, Hannah Schob, Aubrey Steele, Nathan Taylor, Zoe Watkins and Clay Wilburn.
Bailey Neiger, one of the contestants in the younger age group, said “I like helping people, and this contest was a fun way of doing that.”
Children who competed in Habitat for Humanity’s “Kids Can” recycling contest had the potential to win a PlayStation 3, a PlayStation Portable, an iPod or one of several cash prizes. The prizes for this contest were donated by several local sponsors who support community involvement, environmental initiatives and Ardmore Habitat for Humanity. Donations by Atlas Roofing, Circuit City employees, Valero Ardmore Refinery and Walmart Supercenter made this a “no cost” fundraiser for Ardmore Habitat for Humanity.
OK Iron and Metal provided significant support for the contest, serving as both the drop-off point and assisting the youth as they brought in their cans. Kathy Griffith, a member of the OK Iron and Metal staff, became acquainted with several of the contestants during the last few months and enjoyed seeing them when they came in with their cans.
“It’s nice to see young people so dedicated to a good cause,” Griffith said. “There are a lot of good children out there, and I’m proud of them and my community for supporting such a good cause.”
