Paris Optimists hold bottle drive to raise funds

Paris Optimist Club held its annual Bottle and Can Drive on January 10, 2026, sorting donated bottles, cans and boxed-wine bags to raise money for local youth programs.

Paris Optimist Club held its annual Bottle and Can Drive at its Elm Street headquarters on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Members spent the morning sorting donated bottles, cans and boxed-wine bags, then loaded them for return. The club also maintains a year-round bin outside its headquarters to collect empties. The annual drive began in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic limited other fundraising options, and proceeds go to support local youth programs. Key details: - The event took place on January 10, 2026 and lasted about two hours. - Volunteers sorted bottles, cans and boxed-wine bags before returning them for cash. - The bottle drive was begun during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic; the club also collects empties year-round from a bin outside its headquarters. - Proceeds are used to support local youth activities, including sports teams, Girl Guides and Scouts, monthly youth dances, scholarships and awards. - The club recently donated $10,000 toward upgrades to the Paris Optimist Skate Park, and organizers posted thanks to the community on Facebook. Summary: The bottle drive generated funds that contribute to a range of youth-focused programs and ongoing community projects. Undetermined at this time.