After less than a week of collecting aluminum cans, we are $11.40, a total of 28 pounds, closer to helping the Brown YMCA.

We have had an overwhelming amount of support at the newspaper from readers. By Thursday, we had a pile of plastic bags full of cans as tall as my desk. We took a trip to Costal Recycling at lunch Friday to turn the cans in for cash.

It was a lot simpler than I imagined. We told the staff we wanted to give them the cans, and proceeded to pull a chicken wire basket at least 3 feet tall with a 3-foot diameter over to our truck. Once we emptied all the trash bags into the container, they weighed the basket and presented us with paperwork and cash. And that was it.

For those who are unaware of the endeavor of Times-Journal, we are collecting aluminum cans to recycle, using the money earned from a recycling center to support the Brown YMCA.

I realize now, the one thing I forgot to state was a monetary goal. With the help of the community, we would like to donate $1,000 to the Brown YMCA. Remember, surpassing the goal is always allowed, but we would like to make at least a $1,000 donation from our collections.

Each recycled can weighs about 1.8 ounces and is worth a total of $0.50 per pound. If all of us can make the effort to recycle, this total will quickly add up to a substantial donation.

We are doing our part at the office, too. We have boxes on both levels of office space, collecting a full bag of cans ourselves thus far.

What are recycled cans used to make?

Recycled aluminum cans are used in aircraft, cars, bicycles, boats, computers, cookware, gutters, siding, wire and other items that require a strong, lightweight material. Since recycling does not interfere with the structure of the metal, aluminum can be recycled indefinitely.

If you would like to contribute to our collection drive, please bring bags or boxes filled with aluminum cans to the Times-Journal office. Ask that the cans be given to me, Laura Fenton.

It will also be greatly apprectiated if beer cans are rinsed out first.

Thanks for the support of all who donated this week, and thank you in advance to anyone who will bring us additional donations.

Laura Fenton is the education and general assignment reporter for the Times-Journal. She can be reached at 410-1744 for laura.fenton@selmatimesjournal.com.