Pop tab thank you

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In 2017 at the age of 10, Nakia E. Hawkins was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Through medical treatment and with the help of her family, she can manage and control her diabetes and lead a productive life. During her regular visits to multiple doctors, Nakia realized that this is not the case for all kids. Nakia decided that she wanted to do something to help other kids.

After a little research, she came across the Pull Tab Program through the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Nakia talked to her family and everyone agreed to help collect pop tabs. Although Nakia lives in Miami, one of the locations that collets tabs for her is our very own Water Department, thanks to the help and coordination of her aunt Louiza Larry and cousin Nancy Benjamin.
For the past three years, Nakia has collected the tabs from the Jefferson County Water Department and locations such as has her school and church in Miami, Fla. and delivered them to the Ronald McDonald House of Miami.

Nakia has done her best to collect and deliver the tabs at least four times a year over the past three years. During this global pandemic, when even more help is needed for so many families, she wanted to take the time to say thank you to all of those who have dropped off pop tabs to help her reach her goals. Many may not even realize what a difference they are making in others' lives by simply pulling the tabs and saving them for donation.

There are roughly 1,200 pop tabs in a pound. And it takes approximately 29 pounds to cover the cost of a one-night stay for a family in the house. Approximately 120 pounds is equal to the cost of one day's electricity for the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay for families who have a child receiving medical treatment at one of the hospitals in the area. Having a place to stay allows a family to focus on the child's care and well-being instead of worrying about the finances associated with a lengthy hospital stay.

Nakia learned that her family missed one week of work to remain at her side when she was hospitalized and she wants to continue to be able to give a little back to other families in need. So, this heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who have dropped off tabs. Please continue to collect your tabs. It is such a small thing to do, but it has such a big impact on others' lives.