ATHENS-The Tennessee Valley Authority will team up with Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful again this year to host a litter cleanup in Limestone County. This year, the annual Elk River Cleanup will also include a county-wide attack on trash.
On Saturday, March 9th, KALB and TVA hope to have a record number of volunteers out cleaning up roadsides, neighborhoods, waterways and public lands throughout Limestone County.
Lynne Hart, KALB Executive Coordinator, said this is a call to action and a great community service opportunity for individuals, families, neighbors, friends,
Lynne Hart
churches, clubs and organizations to declare that we’ve had enough of litter! “We hope that all members of Athens City Council and Limestone County Commission will encourage their constituents to get involved and offer support services for this event,” said Hart. “Litter is ugly, reflects poorly on a community, and can be dangerous and harmful.” KALB and TVA are also counting on city and county leadership to help identify areas that are in need of the most attention.
Hart and the KALB Commission want this to be an opportunity for everyone, including residents, city and county departments, and area businesses to look at their practices that may contribute to the litter problem. Placing loose garbage in trash containers is a huge cause of litter. Light items can get caught by the wind when cans are being dumped, and loose items inside the trash trucks can find their way out. Open dumpsters, uncovered trucks, and trucks in need of repair are additional contributing factors.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Register! Although registration is not required to participate, it will help ensure adequate amounts of supplies and food are available. Register by emailing KALBCares@gmail.com or calling 256-233-8000.
Starting Time and Locations: Volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at one of the following starting points: Elk River Boat Launch on Hatchery Lane off Hwy. 99 and Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens (the duck pond) for distribution of supplies, instructions and group photos.
Cleanups: Cleanups will take place along the Elk River and throughout Limestone County. Volunteers may select their own cleanup location anywhere in Limestone County or KALB will provide a location. KALB also supports Clean YOUR Block events where neighbors join together to clean up a neighborhood.
Supplies Provided: KALB and TVA will provide trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and litter grabbers. Volunteers are encouraged to bring rakes, shovels, chains, or other tools dependent upon cleanup location.
Lunch and Prizes: TVA and KALB will provide lunch for all volunteers at Big Spring Memorial Park from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All volunteer names will be entered into drawings taking place between noon and 12:30 p.m.; however, winner must be present.
MORE INFORMATION: Contact KALB at KALBCares@gmail.com or call 256-233-8000
Media Release/Lynne Hart
Executive Coordinator
Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, Inc.
