The Can Tree concept originated right here in Modesto in the mid 1970’s by local Realtor® – Frank Reisor. The idea has since spread throughout the U.S. over the years. At Christmastime each year, you can walk into any real estate office in the country and find a barrel for donated cans.
The food collected from this event is presented to local food banks within the community. In Modesto, the donations go directly to the local Salvation Army, the largest local food bank. In Oakdale, donated cans go to Community Sharing – Oakdale’s Food bank. As the evolution of this idea grew, Can Stacking Contests were held here in Modesto. Some years ago, the Modesto Board adopted the idea of the Christmas CanTree Breakfast and has since also been hosted in Turlock and Oakdale. At this breakfast, both silent and oral auctions raise funds for the Food Bank. The prizes, gifts and majority of the breakfast items are donated in support of the effort.
-Thank you to Linda Carol of All American Mortgage for helping to get our CanTree history in the works. We are still looking for contributors to help us expand on this information. Please email info@cvmarketingmeeting.com with any additions or suggestions.