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Volunteer For Cleanup

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

TAMPA - Last year, more than 2,300 people slathered on sunscreen, donned work gloves and sneakers and headed out to clean up 67,509 pounds of litter in Hillsborough County.

This year, coordinators are hoping for an even larger turnout for the Great American Cleanup, scheduled for April 18.

"I think, in a way, bad economic times can impact us negatively, because people don't want to drive as far and so forth," said coordinator Christine Commerce, executive director of Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful.

"But President Obama has put a call out to get people more involved in their communities. We're hoping that will resonate," Commerce said. "Getting involved in a program like this is a great way to take pride in your country and your community."

Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful typically has cleanup sites designated all over the county, making it fairly convenient for everyone to get involved, she said.

"If you live in Lutz, you don't have to drive down to Ruskin. And we're always looking for people willing to clean up their own neighborhoods."

Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful is seeking site captains and local sponsors to coordinate or assist in project efforts, including tree and flower plantings, community re-painting initiatives, litter prevention campaigns, recycling activities and litter removal.

Not only do the initiatives beautify the community, they also can save wildlife.

Every year, thousands of animals nationwide become entangled in or ingest garbage, which often leads to death. Volunteer efforts can help prevent that, Commerce said.

Nationwide, about 12,000 communities are expected to participate in the program sponsored nationally by Keep America Beautiful.

A list of cleanup locations will be posted at www.khcb online.org. Individuals and groups should pre-register. Volunteers should plan to bring work gloves and water and wear closed-toe shoes.
Trash bags are provided, and volunteers will receive commemorative T-shirts and other giveaways from participating sponsors.

For information on how to get involved, call Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful at (813) 960-5121.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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