Students look to clean county with program

The purpose of the Community Service Anti-Litter Project is to educate the community about the importance of “reuse and recycle” and make sure litter goes in the trash and not on the ground.

Debra Spillers, gifted teacher for Belgreen, Vina and Red Bay schools; and Sandra Coan, gifted teacher for Phil Campbell, East Franklin and Tharptown schools, help to oversee the project.

“Last year we mainly focused on educating the community about litter and recycling,” Spillers said. “This year we will be going outside and looking for ways to actively help with the litter problem in the county.”

The group received funds from a Learn and Serve grant that enabled them to purchase signs.

“We plan on putting the signs in public places with the hope that people will stop and think before throwing their trash on the ground,” Spillers said.

The group is also receiving the support of the Franklin County Commission.

“Educating the kids about litter is so important because the kids will in turn educate their parents,” Probate Judge Barry Moore said. “Adults are more likely to respond to something their child is telling them rather than being told by other adults.

“We are proud to support this program and we’re proud of the work Debra and Sandra are doing.”