COMMUNITY CORNER

Neighborhood Cleanups Make a Difference

Neighborhood cleanups are nothing new to the Rotary Club of Avalon Park. The group has organized this effort a few times throughout the year, for several years. In mid-February they went at it again with enthusiasm and hauled away many full trash bags in and around the lakes in Avalon Park. Volunteer students from Timber Creek High School joined the Rotarians to make it a very productive morning. “The cleanup efforts we coordinate send a positive message to our community,” said Greg Meunier, President. “They display unity and show our level of caring about having a litter-free environment.”

The volunteers removed “hard to reach” debris with pool nets, trash grabber tools and gloved hands. Items such as a boot, the backing of a television and a deflated basketball were among the large items found tossed away.

People tend to litter for three reasons. They feel no sense of ownership for a property, even a public park. They think someone else will clean up after them. And third, they see litter already accumulated and think a little more will not matter.

Highly visible work such as cleanups not only boost neighborhood pride but also help fight crime. Research has shown that neighborhood crime drops after cleanups and beautification efforts. A clean lake or a litter-free flower bed demonstrate signs of a community that cares.

A tip of the hat to our Rotarians who continue to keep our town clean, beautiful and full of service!