On Saturday, March 2^nd volunteers of Keep Opelika Beautiful will be participating in the Citywide Cleanup. This local effort, an extension of the national program, Great American Cleanup, is an opportunity for citizens to join together in the fight against litter. Dr. Bob Patton has again agreed to chair the local event. Over 300 volunteers joined Keep Opelika Beautiful in 2012 to participate in the event.

Established by Keep America Beautiful, Inc., the nation's premier litter prevention and education organization, in partnership with state and local affiliates such as ours, the Great American Cleanup is our country’s largest annual cleanup, beautification and community improvement program. Each year, millions of volunteers in over 15,000 communities across the country take part in this program.

As in years past, GLAD is a nation sponsor for the event and donates trash bags to assist the volunteers. Also helping with supplies is East Alabama Medical Center. The Opelika Exchange Club feeds all volunteers after the morning of picking up litter. Participants of the event include all Adopt-A-Mile sponsors, Afni, Auburn Opelika Elks Club, Opelika Exchange Club, Opelika Fire Department, Opelika High School FFA, Opelika Kiwanis Club, Opelika Lions Club, Opelika Rotary Club and Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Several civic organization including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Jeter community, Boys & Girls Club and various organizations at Opelika High School volunteer for the Cleanup. The Opelika Solid Waste Department, Opelika Mainstreet and Opelika Police Department also assist in the efforts.

Keep Opelika Beautiful’s Citywide Cleanup is coordinated in conjunction with the Jean Dean RIF (Reading is Fundamental) annual pancake breakfast. The breakfast will be Saturday, March 2^nd at Cambridge Place, 1001 Fox Run Parkway.

Businesses and citizens are encouraged to join Keep Opelika Beautiful in the fight against litter. For more information call Keep Opelika Beautiful at (334) 749-4970.