Contributed by: Nancy McCarthy, The Firefly Group on 3/3/2009
March 1 marked the beginning of the Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest, annual community improvement program. It is conducted nationally by Keep America Beautiful and its affiliates from March through May and coordinated locally by Keep Martin Beautiful.
Martin County will benefit from an extra facelift during this year's event, themed the Extreme Martin Makeover. In addition to the many cleanup events occurring on the morning of Saturday, May 2, 2009, Keep Martin Beautiful is also spearheading specific revitalization and beautification projects in locations throughout the community that are in need of support. These include: the Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in East Stuart; the Rio/Jensen Beach Skate Park; the Palm City Boys & Girls Clubs; and a historic home in Golden Gate that is in a severe state of disrepair.
"Through our Cleanups and Adopt-A-Road program we are able to mobilize citizens to take action and perform some of the services - such as litter removal - that can help maintain the quality of life we are accustomed to," said Keep Martin Beautiful President Rhonda Irons.
Neighborhood groups, civic clubs, schools, scouts, businesses and individuals can all be part of the Great American Cleanup. Volunteers can organize their own clean up activity or sign up for a site identified by Keep Martin Beautiful as needing some extra attention. All cleanup projects that take place between March and May will count as part of the Great American Cleanup, and volunteer groups will be provided with supplies including trash bags, water and T-shirts (while supplies last). Last year, more than 1,000 volunteers of all ages removed nearly 30,000 pounds of litter from streets, neighborhoods and waterways. More volunteers for this year's Extreme Martin Makeover are always needed and encouraged to participate.
Sponsorship opportunities are also still available for the Great American Cleanup and are critical to the ability of Keep Martin Beautiful's continuing operations. Sponsor logos appear on thousands of T-shirts which are huge hit and proudly worn by our volunteers. So it's a great way to advertise your business will supporting your community!
For more info or to participate in the cleanup contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 781-1222 or info@keepmartinbeautiful.org.
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