Group pulls together to keep Jackson clean

JACKSON, Tenn. – Community members gathered together to make their living environment a clean one.

Keep Jackson Beautiful Coordinator Danielle Wade and several volunteers met at East Jackson Church of Christ to clean up the community.

The main purpose of this event is to keep the area that they live in not only a beautiful environment, but a place that tourists will even stop at and be amazed. 

Wade, who has been the coordinator for seven months, stated that she has always been passionate about keeping the city clean.

“This job came open and it just kind of inspired me to say, ‘Hey. Let’s get out of here and make our city cleaner since there are a lot of us that are really passionate about litter clean ups,’” Wade said.

Wade stated that when she first came to the job, there was nothing in place for the city as far as a scheduled cleanup.

“Since I’ve came in, one of my first tasks on the job was knowing that we didn’t have technically a litter and legal dumping ordinance for the city. So we got those passed,” Wade said.

The Chairperson of Keep Jackson Beautiful and a member of East Jackson Church, Johnetta Black stated that she didn’t want to live in a city and not be part of the changes that could happen here. 

“My goal is being a part of the solution instead of criticizing and seeing everything that’s going on. I just, one day at a time, I make sure that I pick up trash or do something,” Black said.

Black stated that since she is retired, she noticed more of the trash. So she applied to be part of this great council with the mayor.

Furthermore, Black also stated that she has participated in the past and it turned out great.

“Last year I was part of No Trash November, and we picked up trash all over and did really well,” Black said.

These heroes are making strides, even in cold weather, to ensure that the community looks good and also that you feel the love from the work they put into it.

The Great American Cleanup will start in March and last through June. All volunteers are welcome. 

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