First National Bank & Trust’s Fun Committee has teamed up with Stacey Lantagne of Crafters on Central as a public drop-off location for aluminum tabs at all bank branches. Tabs will be donated to the Ronald McDoanld House Charities. From left, members of the First National Bank & Trust Fun Committee are Joe Linn, Tiana Hendrickson, Lisa Villringer, Stacey Lantange, Jake Hogberg, Diane Blaskowski, Lexi Roberge, Jean O’Dette and Jeff VanHolla. (Contributed photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Community members are encouraged to save and donate aluminum tabs from beverage cans as part of an ongoing fundraising effort benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

First National Bank & Trust’s Fun Committee has partnered with Stacey Lantagne of Crafters on Central to serve as a public drop-off location for aluminum tabs at all bank branches.

Over the past several months, community members have donated 64.4 pounds of tabs through collection containers at several bank offices. Lantagne recently picked up the donations and plans to deliver them to the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee next week.

Lantagne’s commitment to supporting RMHC stems from her family’s personal experience with the organization. Since then, she has made it her mission to give back through fundraising events, wish list drives and aluminum tab collections benefiting the Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House. Her next donation trip is scheduled for November.

RMHC provides support to families whose children are receiving critical medical care. The nonprofit organization offers services including lodging, transportation, meals, educational resources and emotional support at no cost to families.

According to a study published in the Journal of Community Health, Ronald McDonald House provides approximately 87% of all temporary housing for families with hospitalized children in the United States.

The organization operates nearly 400 Ronald McDonald Houses and more than 300 hospital-based family rooms worldwide.

“No amount is too big or too small, and every bit is very much appreciated,” Lantagne said.

Over the past 50 years, RMHC has raised more than $4 million through the recycling of aluminum tabs. The proceeds help offset operational expenses, allowing families to stay free of charge while their children receive medical treatment.

Those who miss the current collection period will have another opportunity to contribute. Lantagne said collections are delivered twice each year, with the next pickup planned for December.

Bright green collection containers, donated by 41 Lumber, are placed in the lobbies of First National Bank & Trust’s Iron Mountain, South Branch in front of Home Depot, Kingsford Branch on Carpenter Avenue, along with the Menominee, Iron River and Marquette branches.

All donations can be dropped off during regular banking hours.

More information about RMHC wish list needs and upcoming activities can be found through Crafters on Central’s newsletter and social media channels on Facebook page or online at www.craftersoncrentral.com.