Get Free Rain Barrels, Cupcakes From Coca-Cola Saturday

As residents emerge from a rain-soaked past few weeks, Coca-Cola Refreshments, which has a Niles location, has a gift for them. 

On Saturday, Coca-Cola is hosting an event at to show residents how rain barrels can help save money and protect homes. Speakers will also tell how to create a rain garden in your yard, which can reduce flooding at your home and, if enough residents do it, in an entire neighborhood.

Coca-Cola is also giving away 125 rain barrels to Niles residents, in honor of the company's 125th anniversary, which is this month.

"You will learn about water sustainability, you will learn about Culver's future rain garden, you will have the opportunity to have a free cupcake celebrating Coca Cola's 125 years," said Steve Vinezeano, Niles' assistant village manager. Vinezeano has helped lead efforts to create and develop the Niles Community Rain Garden on Touhy; a second one is being planned on Culver School grounds.

Coca Cola employees will bring 100 rain barrels, which they built out of syrup drums, and construct the final 25 Saturday morning with Culver students, said Katie Busch, a Coca Cola spokesperson. 

The company is featuring speakers at workshops to be held at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. They'll outline the benefits of both building a rain garden in your yard and using a rain barrel.

"A rain barrel can reduce your water bill, let you water your garden and wash your car," said Busch.  

The one-per-person giveaway is limited to Niles residents, who can pick up a voucher Saturday when they arrive at Culver School, but Busch said Coca Cola would gauge the public's interest in rain barrels when it plans future promotions.