Press Release from the City:
Groups still needed for Great American Cleanup May 16th
December ice storm, recent flooding creates greater need for volunteers from neighborhood associations, businesses, schools, faith-based organizationsMayor Tom Henry is asking for additional groups to volunteer for the May 16 Great American Cleanup, the City’s annual spring clean-up of parks, neighborhoods, trails, roadways and riverbanks.
“Fort Wayne’s Great American Cleanup has become a spring tradition for our city and its residents, but we have an unprecedented need for volunteers this year because of the damage from the ice storm and flooding,” Mayor Henry said. “As the saying goes, many hands make for light work, so the more people we have, the more trash and debris will be collected. If you’ve ever thought about participating in this communitywide project, this is the year to give it a try.”
Registration continues to be available online or by calling 427-1120 during business hours. Volunteers can select a location or the City can place them in an area of greatest need.
Groups of volunteers of all ages from neighborhood associations, businesses, faith-based organizations, service groups, schools or scouting organizations can participate. The City will provide gloves, garbage bags and t-shirts while supplies last.
Most groups volunteer that morning, working as long as they choose, and then join their fellow volunteers at Headwaters Park East from 11:30 to 2 p.m. for a post-clean-up party with food and prizes May 16.
Groups can also volunteer another day if they make arrangements with the City.
The Great American Cleanup, part of Keep America Beautiful, is the country’s largest beautification and community improvement project. It provides a high-profile platform for activities that meet specific local needs, including litter cleanups, litter prevention education, graffiti removal, beautification and community improvement projects, river cleanups, etc. Almost 3 million volunteers nationwide are expected to participate in the 2009 event.
In 2008, more than 3,600 people participated in Fort Wayne’s Great American Cleanup. Volunteers picked up more than 87,000 pounds of litter and debris. They cleaned 42 miles of roadways, 1,300 acres of parks, 15 miles of trails and 19 miles of riverbanks.
The City is also accepting monetary and in-kind donations from corporate sponsors. Call 427-1120 for more information.
National sponsors for the Great American Cleanup are American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; ARM & HAMMER; Colgate-Palmolive Company; The Dow Chemical Company; GLAD Trash Bags; Pepsi-Cola Company; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; Solo Cup Company; Troy-Bilt Lawn and Garden Equipment; University of Phoenix; Waste Management, Inc.; Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.; and Educational Partner: Rubber Manufacturers Association.
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