Keep Blount Beautiful (KBB) is looking to expand the Adopt-A-Mile program in Blount County by recruiting new volunteers.
Adopt-A-Mile is a community improvement initiative in which volunteers adopt a portion of city or county road and commit to keeping it litter-free through regular litter pickups. Adopt-A-Mile volunteers include businesses, community groups, neighborhoods, families, and students. The program can serve as a team-building opportunity for businesses, a way to earn community service hours, or simply a way to get outside and improve the community. Currently, there are 30 active Adopt-A-Mile volunteer groups in Alcoa, Maryville, and Blount County.
Adopt-A-Mile volunteers commit to doing at least four litter pickups each year of their adopted mile. The little pickups may be done at any time and all supplies are provided by Keep Blount Beautiful. Once the first cleanup is scheduled, road signs with the adopter’s name are placed at the start and end of the mile. The road signs are provided by the Blount County Highway Department, City of Maryville, and City of Alcoa.
If volunteers want to participate in the program but do not have a road in mind, KBB can offer suggestions. Adopted roads do not have to be exactly a mile and do not have to be in a strait line, such as a city block.
Adopt-A-Mile covers city and county roads. The Adopt-A-Highway program is managed by TDOT and covers state highways.
To apply for Adopt-A-Mile, visit the Adopt-A-Mile webpage at KeepBlountBeautiufl.org and fill out the application form. Applications are accepted at any time during the year.
KBB also loans out supplies to groups who want to schedule a one-time cleanup rather than commit to the Adopt-A-Mile program. Supplies include safety vests, garbage bags, gloves, litter pickers, and signs/cones if needed. Volunteers can learn more and request supplies at the Litter Pickups webpage at KeepBlountBeautiful.org or by emailing [email protected]