Volunteers remove nearly 400 pounds of trash

Volunteers assemble for Darlington’s Grab A Bag SC Litter Collection campaign Nov. 13. Students from Mayo High School for MST Beta Club and Environmental Club and Darlington County Intervention School JROTC as well as members of the Darlington Garden Club, Mayor Curtis Boyd, City Council member Bryant Gardner and others participated. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Several groups of volunteers scoured the streets of Darlington to remove nearly 400 pounds of trash during the City’s Grab A Bag SC Litter Collection Nov. 13. Students from Mayo High School for MST Beta Club and Environmental Club and Darlington County Intervention School JROTC as well as members of the Darlington Garden Club, Mayor Curtis Boyd, City Council member Bryant Gardner and others participated. Roughly 60 bags of litter, two vehicle tires, metal pipes, and concrete blocks amounted to more than 383 pounds of debris removed from the roadway. One pair of volunteers even dragged a mattress out of the ditch on one street – which was not counted in the weight total. “With all the negativity and toxicity in the media, traditional and social, it was a breath of fresh air to see close to 40 young people being excited about making positive change in the community,” said Lisa Bailey, director of economic development and planning for the City of Darlington. “It amazing how much difference a few people can make.” Grab A Bag SC is a statewide litter pickup challenge inspired by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s own experience picking up in her home community and even during her family vacations. It encourages South Carolinians to grab a bag, rally friends and family, put on safety gear and head outside for a chance to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference in their communities. Litter pickup events are a great way to build relationships among families, neighbors, employees, and elected officials. This is an inexpensive way to improve the esthetics of neighborhoods because litter is considered a gateway crime that negatively affects quality of life and community safety. Additionally, that Saturday, staff distributed tarps to combat litter from unsecured loads, some of the main sources of litter contributing to more than 20 percent of roadside debris. According to state law, no vehicle shall be driven on any public highway unless it is loaded or covered to prevent its load from dropping, escaping, or shifting. There are still tarps available for those in need. Stop by City Hall for details. For more information on PalmettoPride or Grab A Bag SC, contact info@palmettopride.org.

Author: Stephan Drew

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