Volunteer ‘trashed’ while picking up litter
My wife and I have become extremely active in the beautification of Carolina Forest. We've been instrumental in acquiring a Palmetto Pride grant and donations to beautify our community with trees and shrubs.
We've picked up over 250 bags of trash, signs and construction debris on Carolina Forest Boulevard since January alone. We've taken on the grass cutting, trimming of the trees and shrubs in the medians of the road near Highway 501, which were in danger of being removed last year because no one was maintaining them.
We're also suggested the placement of the electronic signs flashing an anti-litter message, trying to combat our horrible litter problem. And, we're also thankful for the volunteers who have helped us accomplish these things.
Unfortunately, while picking up trash in the median, someone threw trash directly at my wife. My wife, a passionate volunteer, broke into tears after nearly being struck by the debris. She could not believe that anyone could be so disrespectful. Her dignity was insulted. This came just after a panhandler on threw trash down in front of us after we had just cleaned the area where panhandlers left unwanted food and drinks. My wife cried again at home when we tried to discuss the reprehensible acts. She wanted to quit volunteering.
We informed our community leaders and our friends. Everyone spoke encouraging words, giving us hope and indicating that we shouldn't let these reprehensible individuals get to us. We didn't sleep well that night, but did get up the next morning to meet six other volunteers.
We got back to work picking up 18 more bags of trash on Carolina Forest Boulevard. We've decided to continue to push forward beautifying the community in which we live, albeit with a slightly different view. There's more to do. I just hope that others will respect us and even contribute in making Carolina Forest a beautiful place to live.
The writers live in Carolina Forest.
This story was originally published August 30, 2015 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Volunteer ‘trashed’ while picking up litter."