Several groups recently participated in the “Cash for Trash” contest in Hughes Springs. Members of some of those groups were on hand at Hughes Springs City Hall on April 13 as it was announced that the six groups had cleared local roadways of 266 bags
The Doughty family, including parents Derek and Rena, and their children: Daryl, Dallas, Dylan, and Danica, accepts the grand prize of $500 for the Cash for Trash contest from organizer Jolene Turner.The Doughty’s picked up 1120 bags and items over the
Hughes Springs ‘Cash for Trash’ deemed a success
Drive any stretch of road in the area, and you will likely find an abundance of trash on the side of the road. A recent event held in Hughes Springs wrapped up recently that was aimed at helping eliminate some of the unsightly mess.
Organizer Jolene Turner organized a “Cash for Trash” event that ran from March 13 through April 11. The idea was that groups would gather trash on the roads throughout the Hughes Springs area and submit them as part of the cleanup process.
“A few months ago, when at lunch with friends I brought up the idea of picking up litter on Hwy 11 near Hughes Springs,” Turner said. “Several women joined me in voicing their frustrations with this problem we have. I for one have complained for years about litter on our roadsides. We all know complaining gets us nowhere. The only solution is to do something.”
According to Turner, the process of organizing the event began with contacting the Texas Department of Transportation. Then, to make the program more effective, she began planning how to provide a cash price.
“They were very helpful and agreed to supply bags and orange vests,” Turner said. “I also contacted city and county officials; each person was willing to help promote this idea. In brainstorming with my husband on how to make this project more effective, I considered offering a cash prize to the group who collected the most litter. While visiting with one of our caring village people, this person generously offered the cash prize I was seeking, which was $500, choosing to remain anonymous, which is even more astounding. This was my green light for a bigger project, so CASH FOR TRASH became a contest.”
The contest saw six teams gather 266 bags of trash and litter, as well as other items from the side of Cass County Roads, beginning with a few ladies who met to clean litter near the Wildflower Inn, quickly filling three bags. Other groups joined in and collected 266 bags and items from state and county roads in just 30 days. The winner group was the Doughty Tribe, who turned in 120 bags. The Schmidt family gathered 82 bags, and a group called the “O.T.s” gathered 42.
Other groups who participated in the contest were the Fun Ladies Lunch Club, Page Turners Book Club, and the “Compound.” The Doughty Tribe was presented with the $500 grand prize.
Turner hopes the event continues to build in Hughes Springs, and even spill over into other communities and towns.
“We hope to keep the momentum going,” Turner said. “By example, this idea will spread to other towns and communities. Let’s all do a better job of teaching by example.”
You can learn how to begin a litter campaign by contact TXDoT. You can choose to begin a litter campaign and also consider the Adopt A Highway program. Learn more about the Cash For Trash contest by following the KEEP CASS CO TX BEAUTIFUL Facebook page.