03/22/24
Gadsden State to spearhead cleanup campaign
Gadsden, Ala. — The students and employees at Gadsden State Community College will spearhead their winning cleanup campaign, “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” next month.
“The campaign aims to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement while beautifying our campuses and surrounding areas,” said Lynn Patterson, director of Student Life and organizer of the cleanup campaign.
The campus and community initiative is in collaboration with the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Alabama People Against a Littered State and Coca-Cola. A $50,000 grant from ACCS and the RC&D Councils will fund cleanup events at Gadsden State and its sister colleges throughout April. ALPALS, a local environmental organization, will contribute by donating trash bags and essential cleanup materials while Coca-Cola will provide promotional banners and beverages for volunteers.
In November, Gadsden State was recognized at the annual ALPALS awards ceremony for having the most successful clean-up event. Volunteers collected more than 800 pounds of litter, which earned them the Campus Cleanup Scholarship worth $1,000.
“We added a competitive aspect to the cleanup campaign and the students loved it,” Patterson said. “Once it became a competition, the students wouldn’t stop cleaning. All of the student groups wanted to win.”
The cleanup events for Gadsden State are scheduled as follows:
April 1: Gadsden State Cherokee
Pick up location for cleaning supplies is the Academic Building. Cleanup will be on campus beginning at 11 a.m. and will take place throughout the day
April 2: Ayers Campus
Volunteers can pick up supplies in Room 154 of the Administration Building or at the fitness court at Choccolocco Park. Cleanup will occur from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 3: East Broad and Wallace Drive Campuses
Pick up cleaning supplies at the Beck Conference Center. Cleanup will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to these designated cleanup dates, program instructors and students on the Valley Street Campus will host cleanup events throughout the month of April further emphasizing the College’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement.
“The ‘Don’t Drop It on Alabama’ campaign underscores our dedication to preserving our environment, and it fosters a sense of pride in our community,” Patterson said. “We encourage everyone to join us in this important effort to keep our campuses and communities beautiful.”
Student organizations, employees and community volunteers are encouraged to participate in any of the cleanup efforts.
Interested individuals should register using the provided forms: East Broad and Wallace Drive Campuses, Gadsden State Cherokee and the Ayers Campus. Volunteers can select the times they want to participate when they register. If interested in volunteering on the Valley Street Campus, please contact Ricky Tillis, campus director, at 256-549-8678.