Coca-Cola Distributes Rain Barrels

Residents drove up to Culver School Saturday morning and Boy Scouts from Troop 821 in Niles loaded , along with downspout connectors, into their cars.

The rain barrels were a giveaway from Coca-Cola Refreshments, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.  The company, which has a bottling plant in Niles, also treated visitors to red- and white-frosted cupcakes. 

"We are really excited to live up to the commitment to deliver 125 rain barrels in celebration of our 125th anniversary," said David Katz,  senior vice president of Coca Cola Refreshments for the Midwest region.

Niles Mayor Robert Callero heralded the company, as well as others who participated in the effort. 

Larry Harpster, a Highwood alderman who helped lead an effort to distribute 300 rain barrels in that suburb, offered tips on how to hook up rain barrels to a home's downspout. The barrel's 55 gallon capacity provides enough to water a garden for 12 hours, he said. Hear Harpster's take in the video accompanying this article. 

Coca-Cola also offered red and white cupcakes and bottles of Coca-Cola products to those who attended.