Elizabeth Butler
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
A million flip tops were collected in honor of Sarah Grace Bonner by St. John’s Catholic School in 2000 for the support of the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville, Fla., where her family stayed when she had two heart surgeries as a baby.
Sister Rebecca, retired secretary of St. John’s School, began the project at the school after Sarah Grace’s grandmother, Jane Bonner, said she was saving the flip tops.
Jane, who taught third grade 15 years at the school before retiring, said Sister Rebecca read a book to the students, “How Much is a Million?” and collection bottles were placed in each room. Within only a few months, the goal of 1 million tabs was achieved.
Both St. John’s School and Sarah Grace’s family continue to collect the flip tops. Her grandfather, James Grace, and his church, Forrest Park Church of Christ, had collected 64,000 which he brought to the interview Monday at St. John’s. Grace makes six trips during the year to take the flip tops to the Ronald McDonald House.
Those interested in saving the flip tops may bring them to St. John’s School any Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
“During the three weeks (at the Ronald McDonald House), we were told a new roof for the building had been built with the (sale of the) tabs,” Jane said.
“Since then, the building has been completely remodeled, and rooms have been added on,” Teresa said.
Teresa and her family stayed in a furnished apartment at the Ronald McDonald House for $10 a night, where the supplies had been purchased through the sale of the flip tops.
