Nicki Habecker, founder and president of Community Connections - Berks Inc., asks that the next time you drink a soda or other beverage from a can, you save the tab and place it in the collection jar at the Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro. The group is collecting the tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities in Central Pennsylvania.

The group was able to collect nearly 1 million tabs last year. According to the charity, the tabs are worth money because they are sold to a local recycling company. "Last year, we were attempting to set the Guinness Book World Record, which is 6.2 million tabs donated over one year," Habecker explained. "While we did not get the Guinness Book World Record, we demonstrated that every person can make a difference, and it begins with just one tab."

She said the effort is also designed to shine a light on Community Connections, a group that promotes the values of friendship, value and belonging. "Community Connections is a group of young adults with and without disabilities coming together with their caregivers in friendship, fun and service to the community. That is our mission statement," said Habecker. "We are inclusion-based and community-based."

Habecker's son Joshua, who has cerebral palsy, founded the group in 2013. "It is a passion, a piece of my heart and love not only for my own children but for other young adults and their families, our community and our community partners," she said.

Group members take part in a variety of outings in the community, including a drum circle at the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center, bowling and dinners at local restaurants. They also take part in local Halloween parades.

"It's all volunteer," Habecker noted. "Any funds we receive - we do accept donations and do fundraising activities - go to the young adults and our activities and service projects in the community. We go bowling once a month, and we cover the young adults' bowling and shoe rental. Once a month, we go to a restaurant, and we cover the young adults' meals. We (recently) had a huge 'Happy Fall, Y'all' party completely free for families."

Those interested in joining the group are asked to complete an information survey about their specific interests and special needs. "From that form that I email a list of activities for the month," Habecker noted. "You are not expected to come to every event. It is solely based upon choice. We are growing and are constantly continuing to help meet the needs of our individual families and community."

Community service projects, including the soda tab collection, are also part of the group's activities. "(Collecting tabs) was a way for us to give back to another organization that makes a difference to so many," said Habecker. "When my son was 4, he had surgery at Hershey Medical Center, and Ronald McDonald House had a family room that provided snacks and drinks and different things to support the families. They also have a house right across street where they provide housing at no cost. Several of our families utilized their services. Joshua and I started collecting soda tabs from our families, friends and schools and at church. We do it every year."

She noted that after the group delivered the nearly 1 million tabs last year, participants celebrated by visiting Hersheypark. "We were so successful that we have decided to continue this service project for a second year and hope to beat our contribution," noted Habecker.

Group members also interact with residents of local senior centers. "We will do a craft with them and have lunch with them," she said, noting that the group also made homemade valentines cards along with the Key Club at Daniel Boone Senior High School to distribute to the residents. "We want them to know that someone remembers them, cares and loves them and they are not alone."

For more information about the group or to learn about the tab collection, visit http://www.communityconnectionsberks.com or search for "Community Connections - Berks Inc." on Facebook. Those with a large quantity of tabs can arrange for pickup by sending a Facebook message or emailing CommunityConnectionsBerks@gmail.com.