Ellsworth Citizens help “Dump Your Junk”
In an effort to help clean up the community of Ellsworth, about 40 Ellsworth citizens gathered together for a few hours one evening in June to pick up old appliances, furniture, computers, televisions, tires, and other large junk items
Residents called to purchase tags for appliance items and tires, with other items picked up for free. These items were to be set out on the curb in front of their homes. Anyone needing help getting an item out of their home could call and a few people would help remove these items earlier in the day.
As citizens began gathering to work, there was a heavy thunderstorm and most of the people got wet. The rain didn’t dampen the spirit of our workers though. The weather cleared at 6 p.m., our starting time. As we started through the streets of Ellsworth, we actually picked up additional workers who wanted to join in the fun. All through the streets of the town that night you could hear the equipment sounds accompanied by the conversation and laughter of community members having fun working together.
Funds were provided by various organizations to help individuals who could not afford to purchase the appliance and tire fees. Local businesses partnered in this project by providing employees, trucks and trailers, skid loaders, a garbage truck, and a golf cart.
Sixty-eight appliances, 8.46 tons of junked items, and 29 tires were picked up and delivered to the county landfill. A local individual picked up metal items, which were not included in the weight total.
Citizens who helped “Dump Your Junk”, as well as community members who got rid of their junk, are exited about making this an annual event in Ellsworth. In fact, many people who didn’t help with the project in 2007 are looking forward to joining in and helping “Dump Your Junk” in 2008.