Local teen leads effort to keep the streets of Whitewater clean
“We love our earth and our community,” Morgan Radaj, local teen and organizer of a cleanup event set for 5:30 p.m., April 22 in Whitewater said. “Join us on Earth Day for a fun scavenger hunt and garbage clean up. Learn a little about what Earth Day is. Have fun with friends and/or fellow scout members. Help cleanup the community where you live.”
In conjunction with the event is a contest to see who can round up the most help – the child who brings the most friends with them for the cleanup will win a prize.
Radaj is a Cadette Girl Scout who lives in Whitewater. She planned the event in an effort to keep the local community clean in conjunction with Earth Day.
Those interested in helping will meet at Starin Park at 5:20 p.m. with the cleanup set to being around 5:30 p.m. Participants are advised to bring 6 to 10 plastic (Wal-Mart, Sentry, etc.) bags so the garbage and recycling can be separated. The group will break up into smaller groups and walk around Whitewater for about 45 minutes so parent participation is important.
“Bring a wagon if you can. It helps a lot. Our plan is to ask some local residents to place their garbage and recycling containers out for us to use. Sorting garbage and recycling as you pick it up is the best way to do it. If you have a wagon, place your full bags in there,” Radaj said.
There are no limits on who can participate – scouts, church youth groups, or local kids and adults who want to donate a little time to make a noticeable difference in the local community are all welcome. Scouts that participate are asked to wear their uniform so a group photo can be taken before the start.
“It’s a great time to learn about our planet and how to take care of it. One hour of time will make a huge difference in our community. Let’s hope for a nice day,” Radaj said, adding, “We will meet rain or shine. Bring an umbrella.”
The event is not limited to an hour and parents who bring groups of kids are welcome to continue the cleanup effort as late as they’d like to. Also, if there is a large turnout, Maggie Radaj, Morgan’s mom, said it would be helpful if some adults can drive their group to another location following the kick-off so more of Whitewater can be covered.
Additionally, some of the bags will have to be taken by participants who clean up in areas that don’t have recycling bins accessible though Maggie Radaj said they would request use of some residential trash and recycling bins in advance.
