Meet the Can Lady Project & Lights for Learning

In 2008, Mary Stumpp launched a simple project with the idea of raising money for Indy area schools.

Since then she's grown her idea into a popular community non-profit, The Can Lady Project, which turns recyclable items--especially aluminum cans--into dollars for classrooms across the city.

Throughout the past few years Mary has learned plenty about the recycling process and what it takes to earn money from items people typically toss in the trash. Her operation has grown to include collecting recycling from over 50 businesses, several school partnerships--including collecting cans students bring in to their classrooms--and operating a team of volunteers at local events to find even more cans.

Through it all she's been able to teach kids the value of recycling by awarding the money in the form of grants to fulfill classroom wish list items. Schools have have been able to get everything from iPads to novel sets utilizing The Can Lady Project grants.

Lights for Learning

This holiday season Mary is once again collecting and recycling Christmas lights. A standard throw-away item, these lights will be recycled to fund classroom art supplies and Teachers' Treasures will be receiving a share of the proceeds. 

Last year over 500 pounds of lights were collected and put to good use. Lights DO NOT have to work, and you do not need to remove the bulbs prior to dropping them off.

If you're interested in donating, drop-off is available at the following locations:

• Global Gifts in Nora
• Sullivan Hardware at 71st & Keystone
• Sullivan Hardware at 49th & Penn
• Sun King Brewery Downtown

In addition, Teachers' Treasures will accept lights for recycling.

Questions about Lights for Learning can be directed to Mary at 317-716-7056 (she may answer the phone as Broad Ripple Electric). 

Click here to learn more about The Can Lady Project.