Pool can collection bin to close for winter

A successful can and bottle fundraiser in Hartley is closing up shop for the winter.

Keith and Jackie Stoltz, who've volunteered their time running the donation bin located at the intersection of South Central Avenue and Second Street Southeast, are taking a breather until spring. They said there's a stockpile of cans and bottles worth approximately $10,000 to process and redeem yet, and they need to gain some ground.

"The response has been overwhelming and we've been thankful, but we need to catch up," said Jackie. "We'll be back in the spring."

All money generated from the bin has been donated to the new pool campaign. So far, approximately $28,000 has been raised since April of 2018.

Keith has been in charge of collecting the recyclables from the bin during the last three years. However, two recent surgeries set him back, and Jackie has been forced to pick up more slack during his recovery.

The duo has been storing excess cans and bottles at three different locations. The collection bin downtown will be removed for the time being, and they ask local residents not to leave any recyclables there once it's gone.

"People can save their cans and bottles until spring or they can donate them to the Beecin Hospice Foundation bin at Fiesta Foods," said Jackie.

The downtown redemption bin has received more than half a million cans and bottles worth a nickel apiece since 2018.

"We've just been so amazed how popular it's been, but we do have enough to keep us busy sorting and redeeming through the winter," Jackie said.