A senior at West Brunswick High School in North Carolina — Megan Henson — is doing quite a good deed: she’s collecting soda tabs for wheelchairs. What originated as a senior project, Megan hopes to continue this act into the future and ultimately make a difference in her community.
It was through volunteer work that Megan originally realized that there was a great demand for wheelchairs in her area. She discovered that there were many people living in Brunswick who needed wheelchairs, yet they couldn’t exactly afford to purchase them. Therefore, she began collecting soda tabs to turn in for cash to pay for said wheelchairs.
Why soda tabs? Megan notes that collecting soda tabs is relatively easy. Not only is it simple for people to pop off the tab of their drink, but they already have the can. Because people have already purchased the soda and are going to drink it, they are more inclined to help out just by giving away a piece of the can (that they were most likely going to throw away).
It wasn’t long after Megan began this project that it hit home — one of her friends was in a fatal car accident and ended up needing a wheelchair. Though Megan’s friend’s chair was covered by insurance, it was then that she fully understood the importance of this project and how some people can’t afford to buy a wheelchair, even though they physically need one to get around.
As of now, over 500,000 soda tabs have been collected. It is with these tabs and other donations that Megan plans to purchase seven wheelchairs. Two wheelchairs have recently been donated; meaning nine people in the community should have wheelchairs in time for Christmas.
Lend a Hand
It can’t be stated enough — help those who need help. Lending a helping hand can benefit so many different people in various ways. Not just this holiday season, but every season, give to those who are in need.
Cutter has been featured in various online magazines and print anthologies, showcasing his short stories and poems. In addition to his work as a writer, Cutter works as an actor in the San Diego area, his experience varying from local commercials to independent features. He currently works at CreativeMob as a web copywriter.
