Recycling might be a new concept for many Spanish Fork locals, but it isn't for one life-long resident who has been recycling aluminum cans for seventeen years. Verona Andrews, or as many residents know her, "Big V," has been collecting aluminum cans from around the community and then taking them to Swenson's Metal to be recycled. All of the money that Andrews receives from the recycling is donated to the Spanish Fork High School. The school has used the funds in a variety of ways over the years to help with the school's athletic programs and to help students pay for entrance tests and other tests at the MATC, when they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them.

The dust storm was started by 40 mph winds and ended up killing 12 people and injuring 150. Joe's car was broadsided and he was life-flighted from the scene and never recovered from his injuries. His daughter survived with no injuries.

Andrews and her family were devastated by the loss. Andrews wanted to do something to memorialize her son and she chose to have a memorial made at the old ballpark in Spanish Fork. The memorial would cost $1400 to make and at the time Andrews said she didn't even have 14 cents.

"Neighbors and friends pitched in and helped us organize some yard sales," Andrews said. "And I started gathering cans for recycling."

Andrews eventually made enough money and was able to have a memorial made for her son. But she realized that she loved gathering the cans and it gave her the opportunity to get outside and kept her busy doing something.

"One day I just decided to stop by the high school and ask them if I brought them the money from my recycling if they could use it," Andrews said. "They told me that would be great."

So for the past seventeen years, Andrews has been taking all the money she earns from gathering cans to the high school. She has an account set up at Swenson's and she takes a load there every few weeks. She allows the money to build up and then when she has a good amount she donates it to the school.

"I haven't kept track of the amount of money I have donated," Andrews said. "But I do know that I have collected 37,000 pounds of aluminum cans over the past seventeen years."

But Andrews doesn't take credit for all of the collection, although she can often be seen riding Joe's Stingray bike around town with a bag of cans on her handlebars. She credits her friends, family and neighbors for such a large total.

"The people who have helped me by bringing cans to me will never know how much I appreciate their help," Andrews said. "So many people have supported me in this effort. They will ask me where to bring the cans and I say just throw them on my porch, in the ditch or on the patio and I will get them. If I could I would shout out to everyone just how much I appreciate all their help."

Andrews has lived in Lake Shore and Spanish Fork her entire life. She has also worked in the community at many of the local businesses including Forsey's, Del Monte, Dukes Lanes, Denny's Drive-In and Stone Drug. She has also been an active volunteer in her church.

"I love to be on the go," Andrews said. "I love to be involved and stay busy."

Andrews loves living in Spanish Fork and feels that it is important to give back to the community.

"My husband and I have always loved Utah and especially Spanish Fork," Andrews said. "I love all the recreation opportunities and how it helps to keep our kids out of trouble. It is where home is. It is a great town to live in."