LETTER: Hard work, support led to a successful cleanup

Early on the warm morning of Sept.14, another first occurred in our beloved city. More than 400 volunteers representing faith centers throughout Tuscaloosa came together in Bicentennial Square at Government Plaza for a city-wide litter cleanup. Sponsored by the city of Tuscaloosa and the Ministerial Alliance, “For the Good of Our City” was an affiliate event of the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial.

The generous contributions of local businesses, support from volunteers and the hard work of an excellent planning committee made the event a great success. More than 490 bags filled with 2,080 pounds of litter were collected and deposited at designated faith center sites in each City Council district.

“For the Good of Our City” demonstrated what can be accomplished when we all work together to achieve a common goal. My hope is that increased awareness of the importance of taking care of our environment will motivate everyone to improve and maintain this special place where we live, work and raise our families. Others did the same for us, and now it is our turn.

Special thanks to everyone who made Sept. 14 a red-letter day in Tuscaloosa. I particularly want to recognize the neighborhood faith centers that opened their doors to volunteers and enabled us to collect a ton of trash: First African Baptist Church, Maranatha Seventh Day Adventist Church, Elizabeth Baptist Church, Vineyard Community Church, First Wesleyan Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, College Hills Baptist Church, Circlewood Baptist Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Shelley Jones, Community Engagement chair, Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Commission