By By Adam Prestridge
Nearly 100 Atmore residents volunteered their time Saturday for a worthy cause.
Each resident slapped on some blue, latex gloves and put on a bright orange protective vest as they participated in the Atmore's Picking Up campaign intended to help clean up the streets of Atmore.
The Leadership Atmore Class of 2006 sponsored by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce undertook the clean up as its class project and received full support from City of Atmore officials.
"Everything went great," Leadership Atmore Class president Chad Bartz said. "We had a great turn out and put a big dent in the litter that plaques the city."
The event kicked off at 8:30 a.m., but team members began arriving as early as 7:45 a.m. Teams were assigned clean up areas upon arrival and issued safety vests and gloves.
Bartz gave a brief opening statement to bring volunteers up to speed on why the project was chosen. Teams then disbursed to their assigned clean up areas. Clean up areas ranged from Hwy. 21 south to the Florida state line to Hwy. 21 North a couple of miles past Escambia County Middle School. Crews also cleaned Hwy. 31, Jack Springs Road and other main thoroughfares.
"All-in-all, the day was a big success," Bartz said. "I'm proud of the Leadership Class and especially proud of the citizens who gave up their time for this worthy cause."
Next on the list for the Class of 2006 is education in local schools and corporate sponsorship packs.