Pull Tabs

The pull-tab program at Aleppo Shrine in Wilmington, MA was founded several years ago as an easy way for the public to help raise funds to support the humanitarian and life-saving services the Shriners Hospitals provide. Many different organizations all over the Eastern Massachusetts collect pull tabs from cans and bring them to the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington. From there, they are redeemed at a recycling center, and the proceeds go to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Transportation Fund.

The Children's Transportation Fund exists in order to provide transportation to Shriners Hospitals for needy children and their parents, free of charge. The Fund pays for transportation to Shriners Hospitals by bus, train and air. The Fund also provides for MedFlight transportation when a child's life hangs in the balance. A parent never sees a single bill for one of these flights, which can cost thousands of dollars. That amount, however, is small when compared to the life of a child who was saved thanks to the Transportation Fund.

Shriner’s Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 pediatric hospitals in the U.S.(one in Springfield, MA and Boston, MA), Canada and Mexico providing specialized care for orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. All services are provided at no charge. Eligibility for care is not based on financial need, race, religion or relationship to a Shriner, children up to the age of 18 are eligible for help at the Shriners Hospitals. In 2006, Shriners Hospitals approved 38,984 new patient applications, attended to the needs of 128,578 patients and provided the following:

To date more than 835,000 children have been helped at the 22 Shriners Hospitals. The operating budget for 2007 was $721 million, of which $655  million is targeted for operating expenses and $66 million for buildings and equipment.

The Pull-Tab Collection Program is a somewhat “silent” mission we began participating in many years ago and was brought to our church by Carolyn Clark, longtime church and Mission Committee member. 

It’s very easy to lend a hand of support to this mission.  Simply save the pull-tabs from your sodas and bring them to church.  There are large jars in the Vestry and in the CE office hallway to deposit the pull-tabs.  It’s really that easy!  A member from our Mission Committee will see that the tabs are turned in to the Shriner’s on a regular basis.

Thank you for your participation!