Donna Leonetti sets new record with 1,000 pounds of aluminium can tabs for charity

Donna Leonetti has achieved a record-breaking milestone. One of her most recent feats occurred on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado Springs. Her previous record of 850 pounds, set in November 2023, was surpassed by an impressive 1,000 pounds of sparkling aluminium can tabs—equating to 1,128,000 individual tabs.

Image Source - Ronald McDonald House

"It's wonderful how I went from a half-full Walmart plastic bag in 2009 to 1,128,000 tabs. This journey is not mine anymore. I can't do it alone. Now, we are all making this journey. I am overjoyed. I want to thank all of you for your contribution. You made it happen," added Donna.

Donna Leonetti remains unbeatable

If laid out, they would shine brightly in the sun for 20 miles, stretching from the heart of the Canary Islands to the town of Raton, New Mexico. It's official—Donna Leonetti remains unbeatable in her quest to collect aluminium tabs. The closest competitor is a tab collector from Dolores County, who recently contributed 300 pounds. However, Donna's late surge of donations allowed her to surpass her record, reaffirming her dominance in the tab collection world.

"That's incredible! It's an overwhelming feat. By far, it is the largest amount to ever come inside the house. There is pure power of love in her drive and in her donation. Through her devotion, she has mobilized friends, neighbours, schools, communities and whole towns to join our efforts to help critical ill children and their families in their time of greatest need," said Development Director Sam Milan, who heads the whole show at the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado Springs.

Image Source - Ronald McDonald House
 

Reaching the milestone

It took a final rush of donations to fill 20 blue barrels and push past the million-tab milestone. This achievement was made possible by the entire Trinidad community and the surrounding Las Animas County towns. It was fuelled by the enthusiasm of students and teachers participating in annual contests for bragging rights and prizes, support from local bars and businesses, the dedication of an eager newspaper employee, a committed preacher from Walsenburg, and the contributions of hundreds of friends spanning over 20 states and four foreign countries. Together, they helped Donna reach this extraordinary milestone.

The collected tabs will be transported to Koscove Metal in Colorado Springs, where they will be recycled, with the company matching the total donation amount. These pop-off tabs—often discarded without a second thought—serve as an essential form of fundraising for families with critically ill children staying at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at no cost. Donations to RMH come in various forms, including money, food, toys, and community-led fundraisers. Milam noted that families from Las Animas County, including those from Trinidad and Raton, N.M., have benefited from the support of this iconic house.

A recent addition to Donna's team of dedicated supporters is Lainie Parker, who has embraced the cause with ease and enthusiasm. As the Advertising Manager for the Chronicle-News, Lainie has gained recognition on Facebook for her posts, where she shares stories about spotting a lone discarded tab on the ground and urging people to pick it up. She believes that even a single tab can be the beginning of something significant. Her office has since become a well-known drop-off point for tab collections, further fuelling the community's efforts.