The Clinton School of Public Service will host the kickoff event of Keep Little Rock Beautiful’s 17th Annual Citywide Cleanup at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 14.
The kickoff event, which will take place in the parking lot outside Sturgis Hall, marks the beginning of cleanup efforts taking place across Little Rock as part of the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement initiative. Volunteers will gather at the Clinton School for brief remarks before dispersing throughout the downtown area to remove litter and debris. The cleanup will conclude at noon.
Keep Little Rock Beautiful, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization and an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Arkansas Beautiful. The organization focuses on litter prevention, recycling, and beautification efforts throughout the city.
“This initiative not only enhances the beauty of Little Rock, but also fosters civic pride and shared responsibility among neighbors,” said Mallory Mounce, Director of Development and Alumni Services at the Clinton School, a Keep Little Rock Beautiful Board Member, and a City Beautiful Commissioner. “I’m especially honored that Keep Little Rock Beautiful is hosting this year’s kickoff event here at the Clinton School of Public Service, where service and community engagement are at the heart of our mission.”
The Citywide Cleanup is Keep Little Rock Beautiful’s largest litter prevention event of the year. In addition to the kickoff gathering, 41 groups representing 679 volunteers have registered their own cleanup efforts across all seven city wards. Organizers anticipate nearly 200 volunteers at the March 14 kickoff event alone, including seven registered groups totaling approximately 130 participants, along with board members and individual volunteers.
“Arkansas is The Natural State, and Little Rock is its capital city,” said Maria Craig, Co-chair of Keep Little Rock Beautiful along with Co-chair Lennie Massanelli. “Little Rock is my home, and the visitors are already here. Let’s do some spring cleaning and polish the Rock. We hope this event not only removes trash and debris, but also helps more people see us as a resource and get involved throughout the year.”
Following remarks from community leaders, including city officials and representatives from Keep Arkansas Beautiful, volunteers will receive cleanup supplies and designated routes throughout downtown. Supplies, including litter grabbers, trash bags, safety vests and gloves, are provided to all registered groups. As volunteers return, hot dogs will be served to participants.
Clinton School students are also stepping up to serve. Led by the Student Government Association, students are organizing volunteer participation and encouraging their peers to take part in the citywide effort.
“The Clinton School Student Government Association is excited to participate in the Citywide Cleanup,” said Maddie LaRosa-Ray, Student Government Association member. “It’s a great way to use our time to better the communities around us and connect with each other.”
For the Clinton School community, hosting the kickoff event reflects its commitment to public service beyond the classroom. By partnering with Keep Little Rock Beautiful, students, faculty, and staff are contributing to a shared effort to create a cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming city.