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.
-
IMPD searching for missing 68-year-old man
Indianapolis Metro police are asking the public to help locate 68-year-old Lenard Blackmon. Blackmon is described as 6’1”, 175 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes.
Retiring mailman Mr. Kenny leaves behind two decades of friendship and service
Neighbors in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood are sharing the lasting legacy their beloved mailman leaves behind as he retires after 20 years of service in the community
IU superfans celebrate 40 years together and team's championship run
The Fishers couple met in 1985 when Mark had just finished his junior year playing kicker for IU football from 1981 to 1985. Their love story began on the very grounds where the Hoosiers play.
Visitors can take shelter dogs for a day in new "Here to Home" program
Volunteers run the Humane Society for Boone County, and while they are constantly working with the dogs in the shelter’s care, a new program aims to get Boone County visitors to help.
