Will Lunn, of Lawrence, with Cans for the Community, picks up aluminum cans for recycling Thursday at Stevens Brand LLC. Cans for the Community is a local nonprofit that recycles aluminum cans, then donates the proceeds to local organizations.

A handful of people’s can-do attitudes is making a big difference in the Lawrence community.

Only seven volunteers make up the nonprofit organization Cans for the Community, which formed two years ago.

So far, they have collected 1.4 million cans. By taking those cans – which collectively weighed about 45,000 pounds – to a local recycling center, they have raised $19,500 for 34 Lawrence charities.

To celebrate America Recycles Day on Thursday, the group handed out two more $500 checks. Each represented 34,386 cans. This time the beneficiaries were the Social Service League and the Lawrence Arts Center Preschool.

“You are one of those little bitty groups that make a big difference,” said Jean Ann Pike, store manager for the Social Service League. “I am just really impressed.”

Pike, who said she was thrilled to receive money without applying for a grant, hopes the money will be used to fix the back porch area of the thrift store at 905 R.I.

“Free money is delightful. I always appreciate it when this happens. People are so good,” she said.

Linda Klinker, chairwoman of Cans for the Community, said comments such as Pike’s make the nearly 15 hours a week she spends picking up cans and running errands worthwhile.

“Scooping cans is hard work, but giving the money is the real joy behind the whole thing,” Klinker said. “It just warms our hearts.”

Members said they never dreamed they would raise so much money in such a short time.

“At the beginning, I was really, really concerned that we might not make it at all. This had never been done before, and we were kind of just making it up as we went along,” said Will Lunn, a Cans for the Community volunteer.

“None of us are extraordinary people. We are just regular people who do this. We never ever in our wildest dreams expected to be as successful as we are.”

But, they said, that success wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for businesses that donate supplies and time. They also recruit volunteers to help collect cans at Kansas University football games.

And, of course, they are thankful for residents who donate their empty aluminum cans to help local charities and the environment. They have eight recycling locations around town and hope to expand as donations and grants allow.

For those who don’t think one can matters, Klinker said to think again.

“Every can counts,” she said.