Everyone Wins In Pop Tab Challenge

NEW LENOX, IL. — The pops have been popped, the tabs tabulated and the winner is in for the Pop Tab Challenge between New Lenox and Homer Glen: everyone.

Of the 4,017 pounds of pop tabs collected between the two towns, New Lenox came out ahead with 2,134 pounds. According to the original terms of the challenge, the winning town was to pick a family with special needs to send to Disney World, a prize valued at $5,000 and made possible via donations from local businesses Walt Konow of Konow's Corn Maze, Zachary's Red Barn and Farm Events, Birchwood Gardens, and Chesdan's Pizzeria and Grille.; however, thanks to additional donations, now both towns will each select a family with special needs to send out to Disney World.

“We are very grateful and appreciative of how many people stepped up in order to provide this opportunity for two children with special needs and their families," New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann wrote in an email to Patch. "The people of New Lenox always come through when there is someone in need and it’s obvious that the residents of Homer Glen do as well.”

The pop tabs were collected to raise money for Ronald McDonald House, an organization that helps fund parents of critically ill children, allowing them to sleep free of charge near the hospital while their child is treated.

Nominations for the family to be sent to Disney World are still being accepted through the end of the month. Those interested in nominating a family can send an email to mapplegate@newlenox.net. Be sure to include contact info in the email. An announcement for the winner is expected in early August.