Volunteers clear more than 20 trash bags worth of litter at Old Town Cape Spring Litter Pickup

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Not only does Old Town Cape’s Spring Litter Pickup help keep downtown looking clean and welcoming, but it also gives volunteers the chance to make a visual difference in their community.

Volunteer Autumn Abernathy said this pickup is just one example of the power of even a relatively small group of people to have a sizable impact on their hometown. 

“The community is absolutely beautiful, and there’s so many beautiful things that is has to offer, so whether it’s an individual or a business coming out here to do this cleanup, it doesn’t matter if it’s a single piece of trash on the ground like a cigarette butt or something larger, when we all come together to help beautify Cape, there’s no telling what we can accomplish together,” she said.

Don Greenwood said his inspiration for volunteering during the pickup came from what has become a weekly habit and a desire to make the city more visually appealing to everyone who visits or lives in it. 

“I live downtown in a 140-year-old money pit of a house, and we clean up our front yard every Sunday morning after Saturday night, so it’s just a habit,” he said. “We want downtown to be as clean as possible for visitors and occupants.” 

Laura Selbo frequently walks downtown. She is passionate about keeping the area where she walks and her hometown as a whole as clean as possible. 

“I certainly enjoy the walk and try to pick up when I can, but I think if I’m going to live here and enjoy my space, then I should help keep it clean,” she said.

More than two dozen volunteers filled more than 20 trash bags Wednesday morning, and Old Town Cape posted a thank you on its Facebook page to everyone who volunteered their time.