Community asked to clean up Saturday

Environmentally-conscious volunteers are being asked to clean up the parish this Saturday during the third annual Trash Bash Great American Cleanup.

The program works by getting volunteers together based on where they live. Once a group is gathered, they target specific litter hot spots in their communities. All equipment, such as pick-up sticks, gloves, and trash bags, are provided by the parish.

Volunteers are asked to prepare for working outside by bringing water and other supplies.

When the event was last held in March, 256 volunteers from community groups and industry covered 124 miles of the parish and filled 229 bags with roadside litter.

Some unusual items that were collected included 48 tires, two signs, two poles, a propane tank, and siding.

In 2009, 320 volunteers filled 391 bags with roadside litter that totaled nearly 8,000 pounds.

Those interested in volunteering need to contact Chandra Sampey of the Contract Monitor’s Office at (985) 764-1207 to arrange a time to pick up cleaning supplies. Residents can also sign up online at www.scptrashbash.org.

Trash Bash kicks off at 8 a.m. and volunteers are invited to attend the Wetland Watchers Park grand opening at noon in the Bonnet Carre Spillway. All Trash Bash volunteers will be given tickets for a free drink and food item at the celebration.

Even if residents don’t sign up to pick up litter, they are encouraged to do a little spring cleaning of their own yards to help beautify the parish.