Canning Rules & Regulations - Thon

Canning Rules &
Regulations
Tips to avoid penalization for
improper canning

Steps for Registering a Location
• Storefronts
o Utilize the call script provided, be sure that you obtain the contact
information for the store manager, and fill out all of the required paperwork.
o These can be found under “Students” then “Documents” on THON.org
o Each store may have different rules and regulations, make sure that you are
following the expectations that the manager has set out.
• Intersections
o Utilize the call script when contacting the borough/municipality in the area
you would like to can.
o The can be found under “Students” then “Documents” on
THON.org
o If a permit is required, make sure that you arrange to pick it up if it needs to
be on your person in that particular area.
o Some areas will request an approximate number of canners, please have that
information at hand before making a phone call.

Canning Violations
• Standing in medians, paved or unpaved, and standing
in the street
o It is strictly forbidden to stand on medians or in the street while canning. All
intersection canning must take place from sidewalks on the outside of traffic lanes.
Canning at traffic circles or highway off-ramps is also prohibited.
o Please see appendix B of the THON Rulebook and/or contact
alternative.fundraising@thon.org with any questions.
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of misconduct and
penalties associated therewith.
• Unregistered canning trips
o All canning trips must be registered on THINK by 11:59 pm the Friday of the
canning weekend. The ability to register trips will be disabled after this time.
o When registering trips, make sure that the trip leader and THON chair information
is updated. If a trip leader is not designated, the primary will be contacted.
o Please see section 2.1.1.2.2 of the THON Rulebook for questions
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of misconduct and
penalties associated therewith.

Canning Violations
• Canning with non-approved materials
o Only approved canning materials distributed by THON may be used.
Homemade signs, can wraps or other media are forbidden
o Materials Distribution takes place Wednesday through Friday the week
before each of the four Canning Weekends
o Signing up for a Materials Distribution timeslot is required on
THINK prior to registering Canning Trips
o Please see section 2.1.1.2.1.2 of the THON Rulebook for questions
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of
misconduct and penalties associated therewith.
• Canning without organization’s name displayed
o All signs must have the FULL organization name displayed and visible at
all times
o Please see section 2.1.1.2.1.1 of the THON Rulebook for questions
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of
misconduct and penalties associated therewith.

Canning Violations
• Canning before/after sunset
o Canning can only take place during daylight hours.
o Please see section 2.1.1 of the THON Rulebook for questions
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of misconduct
and penalties associated therewith.
• Canning at questionable/non-FTK storefronts
o Canning in front of liquor stores, bars, adult themed venues or any other
location of the like is strictly forbidden.
o Please see section 2.1.1.2.10 of the THON Rulebook for questions
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of
misconduct and penalties associated therewith.
• Canning without permits
o Many locations require permits. It is the responsibility of the organization
to obtain permits where necessary.
o Please see section 2.1.1.2.8 of the THON Rulebook for questions
o Appendices F and G of the Rulebook will provide clear examples of misconduct
and penalties associated therewith.

Rights to Shared Canning Locations
• If a permit is required for location:
• If both groups have permits, the first group to arrive at the location has
exclusive rights to that location. HOWEVER, sharing of intersections/
storefronts is highly encouraged.
• If only one group has a permit, that organization is given exclusive
canning rights
• If a permit is not required for location:
• Any group who has a permit has exclusive rights to the location, even if
another organization arrived first.
• The first organization to arrive has exclusive rights to location if neither
organization has obtained a permit.
• Please see section 2.1.1.2.9 of the THON Rulebook for questions

Canning Etiquette
• Remember that you are representing Penn State, your
Organization, and THON so act accordingly
• Always remain calm and humble—nothing will ever be
solved by yelling or getting upset
• If you would not say or do something in front of a Four
Diamonds Family then do not do it while canning
• Alcoholic beverages or similar substances are
STRICTLY prohibited while canning
• Any Organization found in violation of this will have a meeting with
members of the Overall Committee

Canning Etiquette With Other
Organizations
• Canning is not a competition
• Share locations when possible
• It is NEVER acceptable to harass other Organizations or
members Canning.
• Remember that you are all working For The Kids
• If there is a serious issue, please contact the THON Office.

Canning Etiquette With Patrons
• It is NEVER acceptable to harass a potential donor for a donation
• ALWAYS be cordial and polite—you never know who someone is
or what they’ve been through
• If a potential donor asks a question about THON, be prepared to
answer knowledgeably!
• EXAMPLES:
• 96.5% of funds raised in THON 2011 went directly to
THON’s sole beneficiary: The Four Diamonds Fund
• Since pairing with the Four Diamonds Fund in 1977, THON
has donated more than $78 million
• In THON 2011 alone, $9.56 million was raised
• THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world
• More than 15,000 students and more than 370
Organizations fundraise for THON
• SAY THANK YOU! It may seem simple, but a thank you goes a long
way!

Canning Etiquette With Police
• Be polite and calm and cordial
• Introduce yourself when asked and explain that you are a
member of a student organization benefiting the Penn
State Dance Marathon
• If the Police Officer suggests that there is a problem, listen
to him/her and comply with any direction given
• If the Police Officer would like to speak with someone at
the THON Office, you can give them the office number
listed on your canning sign
• If the Police Officer asks you to leave, do so immediately
• If you are issued a citation or are told that the municipality
does not allow canning, please contact the THON Office
so that other organizations in the area can be notified

Contact Us
• If you have any questions, please email us at
fundraising.safety@thon.org
• We are also willing to help educate your organization's
members, so please let us know if you’d like us to visit a
meeting!
• All individuals who are canning must understand the
guidelines in order to avoid violations.
• Thank you for your continued cooperation and all of
your hard work. Together, we will make a difference in
the life of a child.