Ellen Thompson
Havre Daily News
ethompson@havredailynews.com
See some trash, pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck. That's the gist of Kim Cripps' message as she organizes Havre Pride cleanup day, which will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
"It really does get to be a community event and everyone feels good," Cripps said about the semi-annual spring and fall cleaning sponsored by the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Havre Pride Committee.
On Saturday, residents can pick up trash bags or drop off full bags of street trash just south of the Havre Fire Department or at Kum and Go in Highland Park. In the past, Havre Pride organizers have had as many as five collection sites, Cripps said.
The reason for fewer sites this year is less trash, Cripps said. But that doesn't mean everybody shouldn't participate. Certain areas along fences and in ditches collect trash no matter what, because of the wind, Cripps said.
Cleanup along fences near Kmart, the Hill County Fairgrounds and other areas is important because those are the entrances to the community, she added.
Participants can call Cripps for recommended sites or head off on their own. Cripps suggests that people don't wear sandals and bring gloves because picking up trash can get "icky."
Organizers will have bottled water and coupons to local restaurants for participants.
If any trash pickers encounter something that could harm them or spread disease, like a dead animal or needles, don't pick that up, but call it in to Cripps, she said. She will find the right public agency to dispose of the object.
Anybody who is elderly or infirm and needs someone to pick up a castaway item can also call Cripps, who will send volunteers.
Cripps can be reached at 265-0905. The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce also has a list of areas that need extra attention and can be reached at 265-4383.
