In St. Louis, we have been collecting "Cans for Kids". We collect our aluminum cans in a designated bin and periodically take them to a collection location at a local elementary school. The school uses the proceeds from the aluminum to buy computer equipment for their classrooms.
I'm not actually sure that everyone in St. Louis knows that is what we have been doing with the can recycling but now they do! We're helping the environment AND helping local kids! Two great actions simply by recycling cans.
I'd also like to "shout out" to Susan Allen who handles paper recycling and cardboard recycling for our office! She gathers these materials and regularly takes them to be recycled. Thanks for caring, Susan!