Litter Sweep planned for Sept. 24
By Turner Walston
Published in News on September 15, 2005 1:50 PM
The roads of Wayne County will get a makeover next weekend. Keep Wayne County Beautiful will hold its annual Fall Litter Sweep on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Corporations, businesses, county and city officials, civic groups, churches, youth groups and individuals are being asked to participate. Volunteers will meet at the Wayne County Courthouse at 8 a.m. Groups may request supplies in advance to proceed directly to cleanup sites that morning. There are 24 target sites throughout the county.
"We really believe in changing attitudes and behaviors," said Simonne Cato, director of Keep Wayne County Beautiful. "The litter's not going to disappear by itself. We hope to get more and more people aware that they have a personal responsibility."
According to Mrs. Cato, five tons of litter from Wayne County roadways were collected during the spring sweep held in April.
At the courthouse, volunteers will form groups, select a designated roadway, and pick up supply bags. Volunteers are invited to Herman Park for lunch and refreshments at 11:30. For lunch, Department of Transportation workers will barbecue chicken donated by Case Farms.
Other sponsors include All Star Family Fun Center, Coca-Cola, Family Y, Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course, Ryan's, Steak Barn and Texas Steakhouse.
"We're hoping to get more and more youth involved, but it's a nice mix" of adults and children, Mrs. Cato said. "We've got everything from 5 years old all the way up to 80."
Volunteers have the opportunity to turn trash into cash. They will be looking for $10 and $20 coupons attached to plastic bottles that can be redeemed for cash at lunch when returned with a completed registration form.
For more information about the event, contact Keep Wayne County Beautiful at 731-1600 or kabwayne@aol.com.
"We all have a stake in this," Mrs. Cato said. "While picking up litter is not the answer, it's one step to get out there and show that this is not tolerated."