New leaders keep Parkrose’s Can Drive flourishing

See who’s taking on a project that’s raised money for Parkrose High scholars, music groups, clubs, and sport teams – and why they’re volunteering …

On this sunny April Saturday, the Parkrose Bottle & Can Drive is in full swing, as volunteers raise funds for Parkrose High School students and activities.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Once again, the leadership of the Parkrose Bottle & Can Drive has changed – but it appears that his volunteer fundraising effort will be continuing strong into the future.

It’s a story we’ve followed for decades: Volunteers rounding up deposit-return cans and bottles to be recycled by the Parkrose “Bronco Boosters”, to help fund Parkrose High School’s band, choir, clubs, sports teams, and other activities.

Neighbor Dave Luce, who started the first “can drive” in the 1980s, and became known as “The Parkrose Can Man”, finally retired from the volunteer effort in 2012. (See our 2012 story and photos: CLICK HERE.)

This neighbor brings in a barrel full of deposit-return cans for redemption.

But the drive did not end. That was when Greg and Patty Meighen stepped up, and re-energized this first-Saturday-of-the-month collection drive.

Now, this year, the Meighens have handed off the fundraiser to Jeanne Sheley and Colleen Grant.

It’s ‘driver’ Michael McClain — pausing with co-organizers Jeanne Sheley and Colleen Grant, at this can drive.

“It’s true, we’ve taken over coordinating the deposit-return bottle and can drive from Patty and Greg, who had served dutifully for more than a dozen years,” Jeanne Sheley remarked to East Portland News at the April 5th can collection.

“We are proud to carry this tradition,” Sheley said. “And, we have a great team able to continue Dave’s legacy in the Parkrose community, and we’re grateful to be able to do that. Folks like Michael McClain, who takes the loaded trailer to the district office; and Steve, who during the week picks them up and take them to OBRC for redemption.

“And we’re so appreciative to all the people who bring their deposit-return bottles and cans by and make donations month after month!”

Here are some of the volunteers from Parkrose High Band who came to help with the collection on this day – and the band will share in some of the proceeds.

Funds raised go to support the Parkrose High “Senior All-Night Party”, and other Bronco Booster activities. “Each month a group comes to help – this month it’s the Parkrose High Band – and they get a portion of the collection proceeds,” explained Sheley.

“Many hands make light work”, and it’s actually fun, say volunteers at this can drive.

Next drive is May 3
Take your deposit-return recyclables to Parkrose Bronco Boosters Beverage Bottle & Can Drive on Saturday May 3, From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They’ll be at the front entrance driveway of Parkrose Middle School, at 11800 NE Shaver Street, 97220. For large pick-ups, or more information, contact co-coordinators Jeanne Sheley and Colleen Grant at parkrosecandrive@gmail.com – or see their Facebook page: CLICK HERE.

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