The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. (GCG) began collecting aluminum pull tabs during the presidency of Dollie T. Harper (2005-2007). Inspired by her great-nephew’s premature birth, Dolly learned firsthand how valuable the Ronald McDonald House was to families needing a place to stay during medical emergencies.

Dollie also discovered that many small items were needed to help those staying for extended periods of time: shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, toothpaste, brushes, canned foods, crackers, soft drinks, and paper products. Monies raised by recycling aluminum pull tabs help provide these items for families staying at the Ronald McDonald house.

She encouraged all Georgia garden club members to collect the aluminum pull tabs and turn them into Ronald McDonald houses across the state. Over time it became a friendly competition to see which clubs and districts could collect the most tabs by weight. Certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place collectors are awarded at the annual District Meetings and the State Convention.

No Ronald McDonald House nearby?

Clubs can still participate by collecting tabs and cans, recycling them locally, and donating funds generated in this way to the nearest Ronald McDonald House. Aluminum only (how do you tell a tab is aluminum? Aluminum is not magnetic, so one way to check your tabs is to run a magnet over your collection before donating).

This program has made a real impact. Since 1998, for instance, Atlanta’s Ronald McDonald House alone received over $160,000 from pull tab donations.

Ronald McDonald House Locations in Georgia

Atlanta
5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404-847-0760

Atlanta
795 Gatewood Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
404-315-1133

Augusta
1442 Harper St.
Augusta, Georgia 30901
706-724-5901

Macon
1160 Forsyth St.
Macon, Georgia 31201
478-746-4090

Coastal Empire (Savannah)
4710 Waters Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31404
912-350-7641

For more information contact State Pull-a-tab for Ronald McDonald Chair:

Ann Howell
ahowell01@windstream.net