GREECE, N.Y. — ​An autistic man and his mom have raised more than $2,000 in bottles and cans, all to fund a cross-country trip to spread the message of autism acceptance.

Sam Maloney and his mom Debra have been collecting cans and bottles around Greece for two years.

"40,000 cans is a lot, and I’m completely blown away by that," Sam said.

They regularly gather collections from friends and other supporters.

"Sam is a great role model. He’s done a lot of stuff, with lifeguarding and he’s an Eagle Scout," said Lou Ann Lafferty, of Greece.

They take the cans and bottles to Upstate Bottle Return, where they’re sorted and credited, raising a total of $2,400 so far. And that money is going towards a mission dear to Sam’s heart.

"...changing the wording from autism awareness to autism acceptance," Sam said of his mission.

Sam is autistic — and he knows firsthand awareness isn’t the same thing as acceptance.

"Are they going to hire me? Are they going to accept me, work with me, and put my differences aside?" Sam said.

The trip has been put on hold due to COVID-19, but ultimately Sam and his mom will be driving from New York to New Orleans, and Boston to Oregon, all while meeting with families and others with autism along the way to share their stories.

"They kind of labelled him as someone who couldn’t. So when I think about acceptance, it’s about a mentality of changing your wording and how wording is important," Debra said.

A countless number of cans to hopefully touch just as many hearts.

"It’s a part of their personality; it doesn’t make them any different. It makes them a human being," Sam said.

Those interested in donating can email contact@sammaloneyphotography.com.