Volunteers sought for parishwide cleanup effort
Published 7:37 am Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Keep Washington Parish Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help make the Great American Cleanup a success.
Volunteers will assist in cleaning roads and highways throughout the parish next Tuesday and Wednesday. This will be the second year a full-scale event with a big advance push will be held, said Troy Barber, solid waste supervisor at Choctaw Landfill. About 10,000 pounds of litter were collected last year, he said.
People can get together to set up a group to take part in the cleanup, or they can call the landfill at 848-2920 for assistance in getting in contact with a team. Additionally, those without a target area in mind can call to find a place to focus their cleanup effort.
Each day at 7 a.m., group leaders will meet at Choctaw Landfill, 22249 Choctaw Road in Franklinton. Trash bags will be distributed to group leaders, to be provided to volunteers. Those who would like to arrange early pickup of supplies can call the landfill at 848-2920.
Pickup of bags of litter collected from parish roads and highways can be arranged through Keep Washington Parish Beautiful by calling the landfill, but Barber said it would be helpful if group leaders are able to transport the bags directly to the landfill. Group leaders are asked to inform the gate attendant it is from the Great American Cleanup when dropping off the litter.
Four dropoff locations are available in Bogalusa, Cassidy Park; Avenue B Sports Complex; Austin and Derbigny streets; and Columbia and East 5th streets. With any questions related to the Great American Cleanup in Bogalusa, call Landon Tims at 516-3870.
“This activity can be used for students who need service hours, and we ask that a coordinator be assigned to each group,” Barber added. “We will furnish an official form documenting service hours.”
Barber said the target dates of Tuesday and Wednesday were selected because students will be out of school for spring break and, thus, available to help. However, he said groups are welcome to organize their cleanup for another day in March if it is more convenient.