Spring has arrived here in Buchanan County and two local groups are organizing a spring cleaning for the community.

The Keep Buchanan County Beautiful Committee and The Friends of the Buchanan County Public Library are partnering for the second year to present the One Bag Challenge.  The challenge encourages citizens during the month of April to pick up at least one bag of litter in Buchanan County.

“One person can make a difference for many,” said Austin Looney, Buchanan County’s Litter Officer.  “Challenge yourself to be that person and participate in the One Bag Challenge.  The one bag of trash you remove is one bag less in our environment.  By participating, you can make a difference.”

Making a positive difference is something that Barbara Rife, South Grundy District Keep Buchanan County Beautiful Committee member, feels confident the One Bag Challenge will do.

“A lot of things divide us, but working together for a common goal can unite us,” said Rife. “No one is in favor of litter.  Cleaning up our community is a goal we can accomplish.”

Those wishing to participate may pick up free bags at the library. Once they fill their bags, they are asked to send a picture of themselves with their bag to the library’s Facebook page or call the library to report where the filled bags are located.  The pictures will be posted until May 1, 2024.  Five people submitting photos will be randomly chosen for a gift card.

“For each bag of litter collected and reported to the library during the month of April, the Friends of the Buchanan County Public Library will receive $1,” said Children’s Librarian Teresa L. Matney.  “These funds will go to support the library’s mission of promoting literacy.”

This year, the Keep Buchanan County Beautiful Committee will be selecting a site for litter pick up and the public will be invited to help.

“At our last meeting it was suggested that this year we do at least one stretch of road or one area as a group,” said Rife.  “We will be announcing the date, time, and place soon.”

Matney believes the One Bag Challenge goes beyond just picking up litter.

“It is about organizing and building pride, ” said Matney.  “Buchanan County is our home and we should be proud of it. One of the ways to show pride in your community is by removing the trash and litter that is tarnishing our landscape.  When you invite someone to your house, you clean before your guests arrive.  We are trying to encourage tourists to visit and businesses to make investments in our county.  Each one of us by picking up litter is helping to put our best foot forward and building relationships in our community that help us grow.”

For more information or to volunteer, contact the library at 276-935-5721.