Find out how much this remarkable volunteer raised to support the Parkrose High Senior Party and other activities last year – and how you can help, next Saturday morning …
Dave Luce, a/k/a the Parkrose Can Man, will be waiting to take your return-deposit recyclable bottles and cans a week later than usual, on July 11, at Parkrose Middle School.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Typically, on the first Saturday of the month, the Parkrose Can Man (aka Dave Luce) and his clan (student volunteers from clubs, sports teams, and groups at Parkrose schools) collect deposit-return cans and bottles.
However, because this year these dates fall exactly on holidays in both July and September, he and his helpers are putting off this month’s collection drive for a week – until July 11.
Big returns from discards
Luce doesn’t like to talk about himself, but we learned that his efforts raised $6,051 from the twelve monthly collection events last year – all in the form of recycling return-deposits on cans and bottles. The money went to support Parkrose Bronco Booster programs and scholarships.
Additionally, Luce has gotten permission from area businesses and organizations – the East Portland Neighborhood Organization is one of them – to place collection barrels. These 195 barrels generated another whopping $9,020 – money that went to pay for the Parkrose High School Senior all-night Party.
“Yes, even during the summer months, we’re collecting cans to help fund student programs at Parkrose High School,” Luce said. “We’re thankful for the neighbors and businesses who save their cans for us.”
Some of these members of the Parkrose High School Varsity Cheerleaders will be out helping with the collection effort, on Saturday, July 11.
After your July 4th Celebration – instead of dragging your cans all over town – or worse, leaving them out by the curb, thus enabling drug-affected scavengers – round ’em up and take them to the Parkrose Boosters’ Pop Can Drive – they’re open 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Parkrose Middle School, on NE Shaver Street, across from Parkrose High School – on July 11.
And, if you manage a place of business, call Dave Luce, and he’ll bring over and periodically empty a can-recycling barrel for you. Or, if you have a large load of cans to be picked up, call him at (503) 255-3745.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News