INDIANAPOLIS — Larry’s legacy lives on.
1 million pop can tabs were dropped off at the Ronald McDonald house in Indianapolis on March 22.
The tabs were collected by the Anderson community in honor of Larry “The Can Man" VanNess.
VanNess died in October at 75-years-old after being hit by a truck in downtown Anderson.
VanNess spent 20 years collecting nearly 27 million pop tabs for charity before passing away. He raised more than $12,000 to support families whose kids are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Now the group “Larry’s Legacy” is continuing his work.
“I’ve never seen anything bring the community together the way collecting can tabs has. I mean anybody can do it,” Rachel Landers, a member of Larry’s Legacy, said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter what your job is, it doesn’t matter your gender or race or anything like that.”
VanNess walked downtown Anderson each day, rain or shine. Those who knew him personally say he turned his life around and dedicated it to giving back.
He counted each individual tab by hand.
Although Larry’s Legacy does not count each one, they do come up with an approximate total number of tabs based on how many can fit in one tote bin.
The tabs donated brought the total count to 28,351,660 donated to RMH in VanNess’ name since 2003.
For more information on Larry’s Legacy, click here.
-
IUI students create adaptive toys for kids with disabilities
Each student rewired a traditional toy and added a larger 3D-printed button, which allows kids lacking motor skills to play more easily.
Colts and Irsay family investing in girls' flag football
The Colts will invest up to $10,000 each in the next 75 schools that commit to fielding a team in 2025.
Greensburg farmer recaps his 2024 harvest
For some, Thanksgiving marks the end of the harvest season. This year, thanks to an extended stretch of dry weather, harvest ended earlier than normal.
2 charged for armed robbery of a Brinks truck driver on Indy’s southeast side
A 41-year-old and 17-year-old have both been formally charged for their role in an armed robbery of a Brinks truck driver on the southeast side of Indianapolis last week.
