NILES, May 21, 2011 – On the heels of several rain-drenched weeks in Chicago-land area, Coca-Cola will be making good on its commitment to build and donate 125 Rain Barrels to the residents of Niles.  Announced last month at the Niles Community Rain Garden, Coca-Cola is providing the residents of Niles with 125 Rain Barrels as part of its 125^th Anniversary celebrations this Saturday, May 21, in the Clarence E. Culver school parking lot.  Coca-Cola associates, Culver students and the local Boy Scout troop will be on hand to help distribute and build the Rain Barrels for residents. 

Who:      Robert Callero, Mayor, Village of Niles

                Michael Broaders, Coca-Cola Refreshments

                Larry Harpster, Former Highwood Alderman

                Chris Zalinski, Chris’ Landscaping

What:    Rain Barrel Work Shop and 125^th Celebration

Coca-Cola is hosting an event on Saturday, 5/21 at the Clarence E. Culver school to build and distribute 125 Rain Barrels to Niles Residents.  The event will have a water stewardship theme and Coca-Cola will host workshops at 9am, 10am and 11am with area subject matter experts to discuss the purpose of a rain barrel and how to install, as well as address community rain garden projects and how to build your own.

The purpose of this location is driven by news that Culver School and the Niles troop of Boy Scouts obtained grant to construct a rain garden in the front of the school after hearing about the Niles Community Rain Garden. In 2008 when the garden was created by Coca-Cola and other local area businesses, the purpose was to educate the community and encourage action. This portion of the program illustrates how the community, businesses and schools are coming together.

Onsite will be Coca-Cola's Hybrid truck as well as 20 Coca-Cola employees who will be volunteering their time to educate the community on the company's overall sustainability programs including Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens.

At the 9:00 a.m. workshop, local stakeholders and a Coca-Cola representative will also dedicate a special treat as part of their celebrations for all to enjoy.

When:     8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST

                 Saturday, May 21, 2011