FOLEY, Ala. — Volunteers and city workers gathered tons of trash and debris the morning of Feb. 9 as the Mills community and City of Foley held the first Community Cleanup Day.

“Within the four hours of working, volunteers gathered 85 bags of trash and debris,” said Leslie Lassitter, Foley environmental manager.

“Sanitation crews collected bulk items and debris. A total of 12 tons was collected during the cleanup. The most common item collected was glass bottles. Six tires were collected from the roadside as well.”

According to Lassitter, volunteers included residents of Mills, members of Little Rock Baptist Church, Foley Sanitation Department, Foley Police Department, Foley Community Development Department, and Mayor John Koniar. Following the cleanup, participants gathered for lunch.

Lassitter said approximately 50 people volunteered to assist in cleaning up the Mills neighborhood. She singled out for special recognition the Rev. George Henderson of Little Rock Baptist Church for hosting the event on church grounds. Also, Theressia Conner assisted in organizing the cleanup and notifying the community, while Grafton Smith grilled hot dogs throughout the morning.

“Police Chief David Wilson deserves recognition for not only working at the cleanup but also for supporting his officers’ assistance throughout the cleanup. About fifteen officers worked with the cleanup,” Lassitter said.

Butch Bledsoe, Sanitation Department superintendent, coordinated the cleanup with Lassitter and Martha Smith from the Environmental Department.

“The community cleanup would not have been possible without the Foley Sanitation Department,” Lassitter said.

The six Sanitation employees who worked during the cleanup were Lee Rose, Christopher Dyes, Earnest Brewton, Don Carr, James Holt, and Thomas Fletcher.

“The Mills Community Cleanup Day was very successful,” Lassitter said.