Around 300 volunteers from over 20 groups gave Harlan County its annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup this month.

They collected over 3,000 bags of garbage and 20 truckloads of materials, including 50 appliances and over 2,000 tires.

"It certainly has been a successful effort," said Lakis Mavinidis, solid waste administrator. "We have had more groups and individuals to take on specific projects, some of a large magnitude.

"I believe the community has become more aware and concerned," he said. "Our community has become more aware of what needs to get done."

More than 20 groups, including Boy Scouts, elementary and high school students, churches, firefighters and car salesmen picked up trash throughout the two weeks of the cleanup.

Fifteen specific locations in the county were cleaned, ranging from the roadsides at Putney and the riverbed at Baileys Creek to a scenic waterfall in Liggett.

Many local businesses supported the volunteers, providing food and refreshments. Boy Scout Troop 101 members spent the weekend camping after working the last two weekends, using camping supplies donated by a local supermarket.

Mavinidis said the PRIDE program has been "a blessing," providing funding and incentives for cleanup projects.

Now that the county is a little cleaner, he hopes everyone will help it stay that way.

"Please don't litter. Don't throw garbage on the riverbanks or over the hills," he asks. "Call us at 573-2600. We will come and get it."