On the steps of the Mississippi Capitol this morning, Keep Mississippi Beautiful launched its annual ‘Great American Cleanup’ event with a proclamation from Governor Tate Reeves. Volunteers gathered to pick up litter in Jackson and kick off beautification projects around the city, signifying work being done around the state by thousands of volunteers.
“I know that it takes a great amount of hard work to keep our state looking its best, to keep our rivers and our lands clean for our wildlife and nature enthusiasts. We have visitors from across the world who come here to our capital city, through counties throughout our state, to enjoy everything Mississippi has to offer, and each and every one of you are helping put our best foot forward,” Governor Reeves said.
The governor and organizers with Keep Mississippi Beautiful credited First Lady Elee Reeves for her role in planning the kickoff event in partnership with Keep Jackson Beautiful. With affiliate organizations across the state, she has urged all Mississippians to get involved as cleanup events will occur throughout the year.
We had an amazing day teaming up with Keep Mississippi Beautiful and many volunteers to kick off the Great American Clean-up. We have such a beautiful state, and it is so important that we work together to enhance that beauty by cleaning up our communities! pic.twitter.com/dhSLTuVXDa
— Elee Reeves (@firstladyofms) April 8, 2021
This sentiment was echoed by Keep Mississippi Beautiful Executive Director Sarah Kountouris.
“It starts at home, and then it starts in your neighborhoods,” she said while explaining that the organization will provide garbage bags and litter grabbers to those who reach out to them.
During the kickoff ceremony, community awards were distributed and several awards were given to students from across the state.
“Today, seeing the young children and young people, I think this is what it’s all about when we can start our children off when they’re young to realize how important it is to take care of our environment,” Kountouris said.
She also encouraged everyone to get involved in cleanup projects and to avoid littering in your everyday life.
To find out how to get involved, visit https://keepmsbeautiful.com/volunteer/.
