Trash is treasure for David Ocasio Ross and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area.

When fundraising slowed down during the pandemic, Ocasio Ross started collecting bottles and cans.

"Since the pandemic occurred, we have had a lot of our marquee fundraising events canceled," Ocasio Ross said. "This was just a way around that, a way to help support the club with funds, as well as raise awareness in the communities that we serve."

What You Need To Know

  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area had to cancel a number of fundraisers because of the pandemic

  • Board member David Ocasio Ross has collected $3,000 worth of bottles, cans, and monetary donations

  • A final fundraiser will be held Sunday, December 13, at the club's Troy and Albany locations

So far, he's counted more than 27,000 bottles and cans. His goal is to raise $3,000 by December 13.

The club, a non-profit organization that serves youth at 18 locations within Albany and Rensselaer counties, ran a similar campaign this time last year, with a much smaller goal.

Much of Ocasio Ross's campaign has been done through social media, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. He posts entertaining videos of him dancing, with information about how much he has raised so far.

"I wanted it to be a situation to where it engraved in their mind like, 'Hey, I love what he's doing and this is the cause, and I remember this because he was dancing,'" explained Ocasio Ross. The final fundraising push is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. People can drop off bottles, cans, and monetary donations at the clubs in Albany and Troy, as well as Sunmark Credit Union in Latham.