Volunteers Diana and Doug Blood generously present their donation from their Cans for Wishes fundraising event.

Collecting Cans and Granting Wishes

Organizer Diana Blood Talks Togetherness and Fundraising Efforts During COVID-19

What started out as a summer-long aluminum fundraiser has grown into an event spanning across several communities and pulling in countless volunteers. The Cans for Wishes campaign began in Saegertown, Pennsylvania, in June 2020, as locals collected cans for recycling and donated the profits to Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

But, as long-time volunteer Diana Blood describes, the event has since exploded in popularity even as COVID-19 offers up more and more challenges for Make-A-Wish fundraising.

“This has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined,” Blood said of the community-wide efforts. “I had anticipated taking a break over the winter, but we have had people continue to reach out to us…I don’t foresee this ever really stopping.”

Since the onset of Cans for Wishes this past summer, the campaign has expanded to include appliances and various recyclable metals to sustain the fundraising flow. Even with the limitations of COVID-19, the response has surged beyond Blood’s wildest dreams. Her initial goal of “maybe $1,000” was overcome within the first few weeks of fundraising.

Even though the pandemic has been a time of change and loss, [Cans for Wishes] has brought a feeling of community to a lot of people. 
Diana Blood
Make-A-Wish Volunteer

Blood cites many members of the Saegertown community as inspirations for the fundraiser, including Richard Jenkins and his mother who sought out Cans for Wishes in his quest to benefit local nonprofits and local radio DJ Susan Vidoni’s advertising, just to name a few.

Cans for Wishes has raised more than $8,800 to date thanks to Blood and friends’ ongoing and outstanding dedication. The fundraiser’s positive impact at the local level is what continues to drive it forward into the winter months. They are currently working on raising funds to grant a third wish. 

“Even though the pandemic has been a time of change and loss, [Cans for Wishes] has brought a feeling of community to a lot of people. To be involved in something so positive really inspires people. And aluminum cans are something that most everyone has.” Blood explains.

Volunteer Diana Blood with wish kid Kayleen at the Can for Wishes collect site.

Blood also urges anyone and everyone to become involved with Make-A-Wish so more efforts like Cans for Wishes can be made possible during these troubling times and beyond.

“Do it. Do it. Do it. There are so many opportunities… everybody can make a difference. Regardless of your age, where you live, regardless of everything – every little bit helps these kids and their families.”

While COVID-19 makes traditional Make-A-Wish fundraising efforts a challenge, Diana Blood and the Cans for Wishes initiative show how compassion for others and innovation are most important during these times of isolation.

Both Cans for Wishes and all donations made to Make-A-Wish help to create long-lasting memories that light up a struggling child’s life. These wishes give the children and their families the hope and strength to keep fighting.

Currently, Lincoln Recycling in Meadville, PA, is taking metal recycling that are then donated to Make-A-Wish upon request. More information about Cans for Wishes and how to get involved can be found on the fundraiser’s Facebook page.

Diana Blood can be reached at 814.439.0076 and by email at [email protected]

Diana Blood would like to thank John and Rebekkah Newhard, Susan Vidoni, Mark and Kristine Haemer, Tina and Terri White, Delaynee Wilcox, her mother Gerri Powell and husband Doug Blood for their work with Cans for Wishes.