Every Saturday, the Illinois Valley comes together to support local youth — one can at a time.
Cans for Kids is one of IVCanDO’s most successful and long-standing fundraising programs. Since launching in 2017, the program has donated nearly $210,000 back to local youth groups, sports teams, and school programs — all powered by the generosity of our community and our partnership with the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC).
What may seem like a small act — saving your redeemable bottles and cans — adds up to real support for the programs that help our kids learn, grow, and thrive.
How Cans for Kids Works
The program is simple, community-powered, and built on consistency:
- Each Saturday, a local youth organization hosts a Cans for Kids collection
- Community members bring uncrushed, redeemable bottles and cans
- Youth and volunteers sort and count donations
- Funds raised go directly back to the hosting organization
No selling. No pressure. Just neighbors helping neighbors.
Why This Program Matters
Cans for Kids does more than raise funds. It teaches responsibility, teamwork, and pride — and shows young people what’s possible when a community shows up for them.
For residents, it’s one of the easiest ways to invest in local youth without writing a check. For participating groups, it provides meaningful support for equipment, travel, uniforms, performances, and school activities.
Small actions. Real impact.
Community Impact
Over the years, Cans for Kids has supported:
- Youth sports teams
- Performing arts and music programs
- School-based clubs and enrichment activities
What makes the program special isn’t just the dollars raised — it’s the rhythm of Saturdays, the familiar faces, and the shared understanding that everyone’s contribution counts.
How You Can Help
Supporting Cans for Kids is easy:
Save your cans
Set aside your uncrushed, redeemable bottles and cans at home or work.
Show up on Saturdays
Drop donations during Cans for Kids collection hours.
Spread the word
Tell friends, coworkers, and neighbors about the program.
Looking to participate?
Sign-ups for 2026 begin September 19, 2026.
2025 Highlights:
- Cans for Kids celebrated 7 years in 2025
- Special thanks to Jeff Stiles, owner of Oregon Caves Chevron, for generously hosting the site every week
Looking Ahead
As Cans for Kids continues to grow, IVCanDO remains committed to strengthening the program so more youth groups can participate and more community members can get involved.
This program works because it belongs to the community — and together, we’ll keep building on what’s already working.
Bring by your clean – not crushed – cans and bottles on Saturdays from 10am to 1:45pm behind Caves Chevron in Cave Junction!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I donate to IVCanDonate?
Clean, not crushed Oregon 10-cent deposit bottles and cans. Have questions? Watch the video below:
What organizations or programs will my can and bottle donations benefit?
The Cans for Kids program benefits a variety of youth-focused programs in the Illinois Valley – from sports teams to nature schools. When you visit our donation station, your cans will both directly benefit the organization that has signed up to volunteer for that day and a small portion of the funds leveraged from donations will go into a separate pool of money that is granted to organizations with unexpected expenses, one-time financial needs, or that don’t have a volunteer day on the annual schedule. We are proud to support a diverse group of organizations that support the varied needs of youth in our area.
How do I sign up my youth-focused organization or program?
Because of the popularity of Cans for Kids, we create annual schedules – so, contacting us to sign up will be for the upcoming year. That being said, sometimes organizations need to change the date that they have signed up for. We also ask that your organization or program be local to the Illinois Valley. Use our contact form, email us, or call us to put your organization on the list!