LAURINBURG — By a huge margin, the Laurel Hill Fire Department hauled in more trash from around the county than eight other teams to win the 2020 Spring Litter Sweep, the twice-per-year effort by the Green Team of the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce.
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and restrictions due to social distancing, Executive Director Chris English said the Spring Litter Sweep was a success.
“We knew our numbers and results would be down, but we still wanted to continue with the Litter Sweep,” English said. “This is something people look forward to every year, it serves as community service and it is done outside where social distancing could be done.”
A total of 50 individuals representing nine teams spent last week picking up trash around Scotland County, collecting more than 3,000 pounds of litter.
The nine teams were: Laurel Hill Fire Department, Girl Scout Troop 1723, Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce Green Team, Ora Tarlton, Matt Pracht, Jay Singletary, Carolina Hearts Home Care, Trinity Presbyterian Church and Old Laurel Hill Church Kids For Christ.
Laurel Hill Fire Department took first place in the competition by collecting 2,143 pounds of trash. Girl Scout Troop 1723 finished second with 180 pounds of litter.
English said he was pleased with the results due to the fact that so many children participated. One of the Green Team missions is to educate the youth of Scotland County about litter and the benefits of having clean roadways.
“I think that our youth involvement in the Litter Sweep was a learning experience for them and they realize how important it is not to throw waste from cars, use back roads as dump sites and recycling,” he said. “I know they worked very hard and I am proud of their effort.
“I hope this will be a lasting experience and that these teams continue to participate,” added English.
The Chamber of Commerce will award Laurel Hill Fire Department a $100 Chamber gift certificate and Girl Scout Troop 1723 will receive a $50 Chamber gift certificate. All participants received a Green Team Chamber “Scotland Pride” T-shirt.
The next Litter Sweep will be in the fall.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-506-3023 or [email protected].
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