Event spruces up neighborhoods, instills pride and keeps city beautiful
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne has extended the deadline for groups to register for the Great American Cleanup. Registration for the annual citywide spring cleanup is now Saturday, April 21.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to take part in the local and nationwide event, which focuses on cleaning up litter and debris from Fort Wayne's neighborhoods, parks, roadways, trails and riverbanks. Last year, more than 4,600 residents joined with families, friends, co-workers, school groups, youth groups, neighborhood associations, non-profit groups and faith-based organizations to collect over 185,000 pounds of litter and debris.
The City will provide garbage bags, gloves and t-shirts to help with the beautification campaign and will host a post-cleanup party with food, music and raffle prizes from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Headwaters Park West, immediately after the May 19 event.
"The Great American Cleanup provides a great opportunity for all of our residents to take pride in their city," Mayor Tom Henry said. "Our unique neighborhoods, our trail system, downtown and waterways give us much to be proud of. Joining with our families, friends and neighbors to clear away litter and debris is the perfect way to make our city shine."
Participants can register online or submit the registration form by mail, email or fax. For more information, go to http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/publicworks/solid-waste-management/future-events.html or call 427-1345.
The Great American Cleanup is the country's largest beautification and community improvement project. It provides a high-profile platform for activities that meet specific local needs, including litter cleanups, litter prevention education, graffiti removal, beautification and community improvement projects and river cleanups. Millions of volunteers nationwide are expected to participate in the 2012 event.