THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 24, 1995 TAG: 9503220196
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
The Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council is looking for volunteers to help with Chesapeake's spring cleaning.
The organization is preparing for the 1995 Glad Bag-A-Thon program, the nation's largest organized litter clean-up and recycling effort.
According to Gail M. Bradshaw, coordinator of the city's Special Programs Office, which oversees the Environmental Improvement Council, the local Keep America Beautiful affiliate is busy recruiting the volunteers for this third annual city cleanup.
Bradshaw said her office anticipates the participation of over 2,200 volunteers who will pick up litter from city neighborhoods, school yards, roadsides, parks and other public lands during April.
Volunteers will also recycle yard waste and collect reusable clothing, which will be donated to the Salvation Army.
``The Glad Bag-A-Thon program provides Chesapeake with an opportunity to bring volunteers together from all over the city to help make lasting improvements in our community,'' said Calvin Faison, chairman of the council.
Last year, he said, 2,372 Chesapeake volunteers picked up 34,662 pounds of litter and collected enough reusable clothing to fill 60 bags. Faison said he hopes the 1995 effort will top last year's.
The 1994 program saw the help of volunteers from area businesses, schools, civic groups, neighborhood associations, community and civic help groups.
``We'd like to register as many people as possible to volunteer for this worthwhile program,'' he added. ``By working together, not only do we help improve our city, we also offer a sense of pride in the community as a whole.''
The national Glad Bag-A-Thon began 10 years ago as a five-city pilot program. It has now grown to include over 945,000 volunteers working in more than 100 cities and counties across the country. It is sponsored nationally by the Glad wrap and bag company and Keep America Beautiful Inc.
Individuals or groups interested in volunteering should contact the Special Programs Office at 547-6411. by CNB