Why do shriners collect can tabs

Lizards at work: Click image above to see more. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Here are just some of the items that the Shriners Hospital has purchased over the years: A Baxter Infusion Pump , used to dispense pain medication.

Arthrometer used to measure the degree of instability in the knee. Bullard Laryngoscope used by an anesthesiologist to place a breathing tube in a patient who has a complex airway. A foot trailer for the hospital van, used to transport medical equipment and records to outreach clinics throughout New England and New York State.

The winning pull-tab ticket is turned in for a prize—typically cash. Game manager operate the game by selling tickets and distributing prizes. The tickets may be provided by mechanical pull-tab dispensers. Several different games may be offered for sale at any one time; each may have different prices and payouts. Simply put, the can itself is equally as valuable as the pull tab. Note also that the whole can by far outweighs the pull tab. A pound of aluminum equals approximately pull tabs or 34 empty cans.

Looking to recognize Nichols for his contributions, Feder and fellow Berkshire Shrine Club member Walter "Mike" Bradley called up Nichols to organize the latest tab pick-ups. Locally, the collection of aluminum tabs are sold to metal dealer George Apkins and Sons Inc.

George Apkins and Sons Inc. Phil Thomas, a recorder for the Melha Shriners, explained that the Shriners Hospitals' budgets don't cover transportation costs to and from the hospital for patients and families. So the money raised through the aluminum tab collection project goes toward helping them buy bus or plane tickets. It also helps buy hospital and patient necessities, and funds parties and entertainment for the kids in the hospitals.

The tab collection project isn't the only way the Berkshire Shrine Club offers financial aid to the hospital. The tabs will be redeemed for their aluminum value. Koester said Pioneer students have put up posters about the project around school, and the Intro to Medicine class will go to the elementary schools to put up more posters.

Come January, when the collection ends, students will take a field trip to the Shriners Hospital to donate the tabs in person.