Volunteers rally for Saturday cleanup

“It’s everybody’s responsibility,” said KCAB Director Lane Yoder. “We’re so grateful for all the volunteers and businesses that are coming out to help. It’s really each individual person’s responsibility not to litter and, when you do see litter, to be mindful and clean it up, because it takes all of us to have a beautiful community.”

The kickoff is Saturday at the CARE Honor Garden near the depot. Volunteers are asked to gather at 8:30 a.m. for a breakfast, and they will then be dispatched to begin cleaning up at 9 a.m.

“I have identified about 20 locations, mostly in the city, for litter pickup,” said Yoder. “Also, we have partnered with the National Park Service and are going to try to hit their four locations they have within the city limits, which will include coming along Linden Street from the hospital all the way to Fulton Drive.”

At Fulton Drive, the volunteers will continue working toward Tate Street.

The area along South Parkway near Lowe’s and Corinth Commons will be a focus. Alderman Steve Hill will lead a group in Ward 4, cleaning up on Johns Street and Meigg Street. The northern leg of Shiloh Road and Highway 2 will get attention.

Also, groups are being assigned areas to tackle in the coming week. Groups may chose their own spot to clean or have one assigned to them. Among the participating groups are Kimberly-Clark employees, who will focus on Kendrick Road.

Yoder said it’s a great opportunity for groups of people to get together and make a difference – families, neighborhoods, civic clubs, churches, businesses, industry and social clubs. One winning group will be rewarded with a pizza party for up to 25 people.

Safety vests, grabber sticks and trash bags will be available. KCAB is asking motorists to keep an eye out for the volunteers as they work.

Registration is requested for Saturday’s event, but people can also just show up.