The Pulaski County School Board, Pulaski County Public Schools, and the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors are teaming up to support the “One Bag Challenge” the county is operating.
The One Bag Challenge is an award-winning program that offers the equipment needed to clean up roadways and other areas, then offers the opportunity for rewards with monthly drawings for $100 VISA gift cards for those who participate. Last year, 237 participants collected 849 bags of trash and 275 tires, as well as other items left along the highways and other areas of the county. The program was recognized with an award from the Virginia Association of Counties.
Students are now being invited to take part in the program as well. Schools will participate in the Adopt a Spot program, pledging to keep the areas and roadways around their schools clean and litter free. Administration and staff members will provide supervision to ensure student safety.
In return, a drawing will be held at each of the School Board and Board of Supervisors meetings in April, May, and June for the gift cards.
Younger students are also invited to participate, but in a different way. There will be a coloring challenge for students in PreK through fifth grade. Students should color the page shown on this listing and submit it along with their name, grade, and school to onebagchallenge@pcva.us by April 15, 2024. Winners from each school will be chosen and announced at the May meeting of the Pulaski County School Board.
Middle and high school students can win an even bigger prize, in the form of a $500 One Bag Challenge Scholarship. To qualify, students must create a poster giving information about littering and write a 750 to 1,000-word essay on the theme “How to End Littering in Your Community.” Submissions should be sent to onebagchallenge@pcva.us by April 15 with the subject line “One Bag Challenge Scholarship.” The winner will be announced during the May School Board meeting.
The New River Regional Landfill will also be offering educational field trips to schools and classes on litter management and recycling.
Pulaski County will provide bags, gloves, and vests to groups or individuals for use at any time. These will be available along with the Adopt a Spot signs at the County Administration office. If you do not have a site in mind, the county will provide suggestions.
