At first CARE clean-up
Residents urged to help neighbors
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

This area is targeted for first clean-up.

City of Waynesboro employees are calling on the community's help in tackling an 88-acre clean-up.

On Feb. 3, the city's first CARE (Community Area Redevelopment Effort) clean-up will kick-off in the northwest portion of town, an area that includes 10 churches, 252 homes and Magnolia Acres apartments.

"CARE was created to rejuvenate pride in our community," Community Development Director Trinetta Skinner said. "It's a way to give back to the community and show that we all care about our neighborhoods and our city."

According to organizers, hundreds of volunteers are needed to make a one-day sweep over the targeted area.

"If there's a vacant lot there, it's got trash on it," City Administrator Jerry Coalson said, describing tidy homes with wellkept yards stuck between garbage piles and overgrown lots.

"It's a great opportunity for local residents, businesses, schools, faith-based groups and civic organizations," Skinner said. "They can participate in a community clean-up and enjoy a day of fellowship."

The four-hour clean-up will begin at 9 a.m., followed by lunch at Thankful Baptist Church and a program about establishing a neighborhood watch in that area.

Today (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m., all Burke County church leaders are invited to meet with Skinner at city hall to discuss the upcoming clean-up, as well as future CARE projects.

To sign up or learn more, call Skinner at 706-554-8000.