We are Thankful for You

It’s the time of year when we take the time to think about people and things that we’re thankful for – an easy task for all the good experiences we’ve had this year! 

We’ve just been compiling the data that was reported from our thirty Green Grant awardees as they completed their projects and programs.  GroundworkRVA, whose mission is to cultivate the next generation of urban conservationists, teamed up with the James River Park System to clean up two islands in the river that cannot be reached by volunteers on foot, pulling out 15 discarded tires from the water, among other littered items.  Habitat for Humanity in Roanoke logged over 122 volunteer hours to clean up a littered vacant lot, paint a 100′ long mural, and transform it into a public community space.  And Hopewell Elementary School is outfitted with cleanup kits, which they used to pick up over 1,172 items in just one cleanup event.  We will post more results on the Green Grants Programs webpage in the near future. 

We’re also thankful for the individuals who pick up litter all year round!  There are so many Adopt-a-Highway permit holders across the state, as well as youth groups, families, and businesses that take the time to clean up the communities where they live and work.  What you do makes a difference!

Speaking of work, we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with several businesses for employee engagement opportunities.  We planted trees with Martin’s employees in Winchester, cleaned up litter with D3G in Richmond, picked up litter and painted trash cans with Pepsi employees in Norfolk, and had so much fun assembling cleanup kits and sustainability kits with employees at Altria Headquarters. 

We appreciate the support of sponsors during our Great Virginia Greenup, our Golf Tournament, and our October Lovers Not Litter campaign.  We want to give a big thank you to WestRock for making us the charity beneficiary of the first zero-waste JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival! 

And most of all, we want to thank our volunteers, donors, and everyone who cares about the natural and scenic environment of Virginia!  There is power in the changes you’re making in seemingly small, everyday ways.  Keep up the good work!  

We are so thankful for YOU!