Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Volunteers with the Democratic Women of Dare, college students on winter break and others helped collect 20 bags of trash along NC 345 heading toward Wanchese. Earlier, food and coats were delivered to the Pea Island Cook House as part of Manteo Police Department’s effort to provide for those in need.

Organized by the North Carolina Coastal Federation, 16 volunteers helped clean up the roadside along the road to Wanchese, said Sara Hallas, Coastal Federation Coastal education coordinator. This included six members of the Democratic Women of Dare, six students that traveled to the area from Vanderbilt University for an alternative winter break and some other local volunteers.

The volunteers divided and conquered to clean both sides of the highway, starting from the intersection working towards Wanchese, covering a stretch more than two miles.

Almost 300 pounds of debris was picked up and included several tires and car parts, along with numerous plastic and glass beverage bottles, plastic bags, large amounts of packaging material and other debris. Recyclable items were sorted and filled four fish totes.

“We care about our communities and are ready to always step in and help out,” said Susan Harman-Scott, Democratic Women of Dare president.

The cleanup is part of the Coastal Federation’s commitment in NCDOT’s adopt-a-highway program. It is part of the Federation’s mission to create a coast that is free of marine debris and its efforts with stakeholders to implement its plan of action.

With a small number of staff members in the regional Wanchese office, volunteers are a crucial part of the Coastal Federation’s work.

“I’m very thankful for these volunteers coming together from near and far, and helping us cover more ground. The highway cleanups are also made possible by support from local businesses, including Peele Family Dentistry and Vista Creek Event Venue. Each contribution is vital for our local projects to succeed,” said Hallas.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.