Keep Lee County Beautiful Inc. hosted its 25th Great American Cleanup with volunteers working across the county to help as Southwest Florida continues to rebuild after Hurricane Ian. Over 650 volunteers at 27 locations participated in community, beach, roadside and waterway cleanups and removed over 14,000 pounds of litter and debris from the environment.

The Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program. Each year, the Great American Cleanup engages millions of volunteers and participants who take action in their local communities to create positive change and lasting impact.

“Last year obviously provided new challenges to Lee County. Hurricane Ian left an impact on every corner of our county,” said Keep Lee County Beautiful executive director Trish Fancher. “Over the last six months we have learned that providing opportunities for individuals to get involved…to feel like they are able to make a difference in the efforts has been almost therapeutic for many. Keep Lee County Beautiful has hosted volunteers from all over the country simply wanting to help.”

The mission of Keep Lee County Beautiful is to inspire, educate and engage the Lee County community in improving, beautifying and protecting the environment. KLCB plans volunteer events and education programs that help to clean, enhance and protect shorelines, beaches and waterways; remove litter and debris from roadways and public spaces; and reduce waste and improve recycling.

This year Keep Lee County Beautiful,a private/non-profit organization with 501 (c)(3) status, celebrated its 34th anniversary serving Lee County. Each year KLCB works with over 5,000 volunteers and (pre-Ian) was hosting over 400 community projects a year. Keep Lee County Beautiful is truly grateful for all the volunteers and community partners and is proud to be a part of our community working together to make Lee County beautiful. Visit klcb.org or call 239-334-3488 to find out how to get involved and support KLCB and their efforts.