In an annual effort, the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions Club and other supportive students join forces to collect soda can tabs for Shriners Hospitals for Children—Philadelphia. This year, the school took the lead in donating the most tabs of any organization, with 18.775 kilograms of tabs.

After collection, the aluminum tabs are recycled for cash, with the proceeds funding programs that directly benefit children.

“Our grand total from collecting tabs over the years is $68,927.35 and growing,” said Shriners Hospital representative Stephanie Byrwa. “We are able to use the tabs to raise money for important machines, tools and equipment that will provide a better quality of life for our patients.”

The Shriners Hospitals for Children nonprofit network, which operates more than 20 facilities across North America, is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding medical teaching programs for medical professionals. 

“Who thought a lowly soda tab could do such much good?” said club adviser Janet Werner.