The Putnam County Fire Department is among 29 fire departments in Georgia participating in Project R.E.A.C.H. (Recycling Every Aluminum Can Helps), a statewide recycling initiative administered by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.
The program transforms aluminum can recycling into funding for burn survivor assistance and burn prevention programs across the state.
"Project R.E.A.C.H. is a simple way for our citizens to make a meaningful difference," Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain said. "Every aluminum can recycled helps support burn survivors and their families while also benefiting our environment. We are proud to participate in this outstanding program and grateful for the continued support of our community."
The Putnam County community has embraced the program, with aluminum can collection containers located at the Sammons Industrial, Wards Chapel, Flat Rock and Long Shoals convenience centers.
Last year, the Putnam County Fire Department ranked seventh statewide among participating agencies in total aluminum can collections, reflecting the community's commitment to environmental stewardship and helping burn survivors.
Since its launch in 1986, Project R.E.A.C.H. has recycled more than 4 million pounds of aluminum, generating more than $2.2 million to help the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation provide services for burn survivors and their families while reducing landfill waste.
The program partners with fire departments, businesses, schools and community organizations across Georgia to collect and recycle aluminum cans year-round. Proceeds support burn survivor assistance, burn prevention education and other foundation programs.
For more information about Project R.E.A.C.H. or the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, visit gfbf.org/our-programs/fire-service/project-reach. Information about the Putnam County Fire Department is available at putnamcountyga.us/236/fire-department.