By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Elmore County Commissioner Henry Hines talks “trash” during recent Commission meeting.
Editor’s Note: To sign up a team, visit the county’s website at www.emoreco.org/environmental or scan the QR code in the graphic.
During Monday’s County Commission meeting commissioner Henry Hines challenged all churches, civic organizations, and schools in Elmore County to step up and step out to participate in the annual Elmore County Spring Cleanup, which will be Friday, March 31, through Sunday, April 2.
“It is almost spring,” Hines said. “The great thing about spring is we get to go out and have our 2023 Spring Cleanup.”
“It’s amazing. I’ve already had a few churches pick up the phone and contacted me and asked what they can do to clean up Elmore County.”
The annual cleanup campaign began a few years back, but it is now starting to gain traction.
“It’s starting to snowball,” he said. “It’s taken a couple of years.”
Cleanup crews overseeing the debris removal from the Jan. 12 tornado will have just finished their cleanup in the area.
“This will be right after our roads are cleaned from the tornado that occurred,” Hines said.
Hines said not only have area churches been calling to register for the cleanup but so are area schools.
“I’ve had three calls today,” he said.
For those considering joining the cleanup, all that is needed is time and effort.
“We provide the gloves and the bags, and when they are finished with cleanup, just tell us where the bags are and Sheriff Franklin and his deputies at the sheriff’s department will send a crew out there to pick it up,” Hines said.
According to Hines, getting area youth involved will set an example that they will carry with them moving forward.
“It’s good to have our sports teams, and youth in our county, to get out and do this because they are our future,” he said. “It is a chance for our sports teams to get out and help, and our high schools. Seniors who need community service projects, this is an opportunity for them.:
As a County Commissioner, Hines hears complaints about the litter along the roadways in the county.
“Constantly hear about how nasty our roads are, well, this is an opportunity for churches to step up with their men’s group and their youth group and participate,” he said.
Any group, team, or individual can register to participate. Participants can request the needed number of bags, gloves, and safety vests. A litter grabber can also be requested but supplies are limited. Participants are asked to designate the area they plan to clean.
Commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson accepted Commissioner Hines’ challenge.
“Commissioner Hines I raise you on that competition. I will be competing with you,” she said. “I accept your challenge.”
“I am asking for everyone to sign up and get your groups together. Have a little competition with some of the other churches and sports teams to see who can pick up the most,” Hines said.
In addition to adding some friendly competition and helping the county look better, this event offers an opportunity to simply enjoy the outdoors.
“It just feels good to get out and walk,” Hines said. “And, pick up and clean up our county.”
