Keep Little Rock Beautiful will host its annual city improvement and cleanup effort from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 12, across Little Rock. 

The cleanup is being held in conjunction with the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup in Arkansas, the annual spring statewide cleanup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB).

“So much can be accomplished when the community comes together to keep Little Rock clean and beautiful,” said Suzanne Hirrel, citywide cleanup coordinator. “Litter can leave a negative impact on our community. By participating in this year’s Great American City Wide Cleanup, local residents can help keep Little Rock a vibrant community.”

Little Rock residents are encouraged to show their support for their city by participating in this year’s community improvement effort. Neighborhoods, organizations, church and youth groups, school groups and clubs, individuals, and businesses throughout Little Rock have organized cleanup teams in 50 areas of the city.

This year’s official kick-off event will begin at 8 a.m. at the Coleman Creek Amphitheater at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During a brief program, volunteers will hear from UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale, State Representative Denise Ennett, and City Director Virgil Miller. Free parking will be available in Lot 10 at UA Little Rock.

“Public service is at the heart of what we do, and community engagement is a key institutional priority,” said Drale. “What better way to show our commitment than to roll up our sleeves in our own backyard to benefit the campus and surrounding community.”

The Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s mascot “Otto the Otter” and UA Little Rock’s mascot “Maximus” will be present at the event to support the cleanup effort. After the program, volunteers will get to work in cleanups organized at UA Little Rock and that area of the city.

Volunteers should bring litter grabbers, work gloves, a refillable water bottle, wear boots or study shoes, and clothing that can get dirty. Litter grabbers and work gloves will be available for volunteers.

In addition to the kick-off event, a free electronic recycling event will also take place in Lot 14 at UA Little Rock from 9 a.m. to noon. Computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, tablets, and keyboards will be accepted. Televisions will not be accepted during the drive. Participants may enter Lot 14 from West 28th Street.

A listing of all the Little Rock cleanups on March 12 is available on the Keep Little Rock Beautiful website. Volunteers are encouraged to join a cleanup in their area.

For more information, contact Suzanne Hirrel at 501-680-7061 or info@klrb.org.