Starting now, area citizens can help the Ronald McDonald house come Oct. 1, by collecting aluminum cans and pop tabs for Cans for Kids Collection Day. The community-wide event is sponsored by McNeilus Companies.

A McNeilus truck and volunteers will be at the Ronald McDonald House parking lot (850 Second St. SW Rochester) to accept donated aluminum cans and pop tabs from 8 a.m. to noon. McDonald’s restaurants have provided a beverage coupon for everyone making a donation of aluminum cans or pop tabs. All contributions from Cans for Kids help the Rochester Ronald McDonald House.

Aluminum recycling has supported the Rochester Ronald McDonald House for more than 10 years. Cans for Kids partners with the pop tab program to raise awareness and funds for the Ronald McDonald House.

During the past five years, the Cans for Kids collection events have raised nearly $10,000 to support thousands of families with ill children, providing a “home away from home” while they seek medical care at the Mayo Clinic.

Governed by a volunteer board of trustees, the House has been in operation since 1980.