Box tops really add up

Marion Elementary School’s 2011-12 box-top collection resulted in the school receiving $2,800 for classroom supplies, teaching materials, and books, organizer Marj Sandberg said Thursday.

It was the biggest year for the program since it was implemented several years ago at MES, she said. With reimbursement of 10 cents per box top, that meant students brought 28,000 box tops to school.

Box tops with vouchers for the Box Tops for School program are on all kinds of products, she said. The most common box tops students turn in are from granola bars and crescent rolls. “I think most people just don’t notice they’re on there,” she said.

Sandberg tracks each class’ box tops separately, and money received is allocated based on how many box tops each class turned in.

Collections were spurred by a prize drawing on leap year day — students received one entry for each 10 box tops turned in. Sandberg plans another drawing this coming school year.

Box tops can be dropped off at the school, Carlsons’ Grocery, and Marion Senior Center.