Nothing says, “I care” more than gathering together with friends and family to pick up litter in one’s community. In spite of having to reschedule the event due to flooding the previous week, Saturday May 6, 2017 was a fresh Spring day in Oklahoma City. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, a light breeze was blowing (rare for this state) and the temperature was in the mid 70’s. It was a perfect day to get outside and have some fun. Several groups of MMAC employees and a few of their friends and family members put a new “twist tie” on having fun outdoors. The group volunteered their Saturday morning to participate in a citywide beautification project called “LitterBlitz.”
In March, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett sent out a citywide request for help, encouraging citizens to volunteer their time for a greater effort. Soon, requests to volunteer were sent out Center-wide from the Quality Systems and Business Resources Staff (AMC-3). Aeronautical Center volunteers could register for the event using the Knowledge Sharing Network (KSN). Over 50 MMAC volunteers from several Aeronautical Center organizations, (including AJW, AJV, AMK, AML, CAMI, the USAF, US Coast Guard Institute, and AMC-3) along with their friends and families, formed teams to clean up 5 separate roadside areas near the Will Rogers World Airport, Lake Overholser, and the Aeronautical Center on April 29th.
Regrettably, Mother Nature had other plans. April 29th was the day after a major storm pummeled the area. Many volunteers woke up with no electricity, howling winds and temperatures that dipped to very uncomfortable levels. Roads were covered with water and debris along the way to rendezvous points. Some locations even had power lines hanging dangerously low. So the event was postponed until May 6th, which affected a number of available volunteers. But those who were able to participate on May 6th came prepared to work!
After being supplied with gloves and large trash bags, volunteers began picking up litter along several roads surrounding the Aeronautical Center, and nearby Lake Overholser. The five LitterBlitz teams covered about 10 miles of roadway. In 3 short hours, they collected over 40 large bags of refuse.
Participants began to compete as to who could find the most unusual trash item. Common roadside trash consisted of styrofoam products, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and the occasional glove or shoe. Probably the most unique item was a novelty trailer hitch accessory.
Some participants said it was a great way to get some exercise and make a difference in the Oklahoma City landscape at the same time. By participating in the LitterBlitz campaign, volunteers from the Aeronautical Center reduced taxpayer costs for trash removal, reduced health and safety hazards associated with dirty, littered streets, while adding to the sense of ownership and pride in our city.
May 6th was such a beautiful morning, and one couldn’t help but think of songs from Oklahoma, complete with hawks making lazy circles in the sky and larks in the “medder.” Picking up trash was a great way to make a difference in our community. With ditches now free of aluminum cans and plastic bottles, volunteers are already looking forward to next year’s LitterBlitz.
