Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- Spring cleaning is about to get under way in Social Circle. As part of the Great American Cleanup, Social Circle Clean and Beautiful is sponsoring a citywide cleanup event on Saturday, March 23.

According to Better Hometown volunteer Signora Jackson, large crowds have show up in the past and the group is hoping the same is true this year.

"We always try to beat our last effort," she said.

Volunteers are asked to report to the Community Room at 138 E. Hightower Trail -- next to the police station -- at 8 a.m., where assignments and cleaning supplies will be handed out. The plan is to be finished by 11 a.m. Jackson said to be sure to wear old clothes.

Coffee and biscuits provided by the Church at the Grove will be served before volunteers leave to pick up trash or do other chores.

The Litter Critter has promised to make an appearance at the event.

Also, Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful is hosting a cleanup the same day, Saturday, March 23, which will kick off with breakfast at 9 a.m. at LongHorn Steakhouse.

Organizers ask for advance registration from volunteers, and the first 750 registrants will receive a free T-shirt. Forms are available at www.kcnb.biz. Fax completed forms to 770-784-2081 or scan and email to newtonclean@co.newton.ga.us. Walk-ups will be welcomed the day of the event.

If volunteers are unavailable to work on Saturday, March 23, they may participate on another date of their choice. If it rains on March 23, KCNB will still meet volunteers to give them supplies and breakfast at LongHorn, but volunteers can reschedule their cleanup projects for other days when the weather will be more suitable.

More than 1,200 volunteers participated last year, collecting 75,000 pounds of trash from local roadways.