On December 31, 2025, 20 volunteers from Keep Charleston Beautiful’s Clara’s Kids Club conducted a cleanup on a one-mile stretch of the West Ashley Greenway in West Ashley, S.C. The youth-focused event collected 175 pounds of litter—one of the highest totals for the year—emphasizing environmental stewardship over trash volume.
Key Highlights
- Participants and Focus: Parents and children from families like the Alegrías (repeat volunteers for two years) picked up items such as plastic rugs, shopping carts, and Christmas stockings. Organizers taught lessons on litter’s impact on Lowcountry waterways and marine life.
- Coordinator Insights: Darby Reed highlighted creating positive experiences for kids, fostering a sense of responsibility. Rachel Alegria noted her daughters Scarlett and Silvia’s enthusiasm, calling it a fun way to learn about nature and community.
- Impact and Motivation: Reed called these sweeps Keep Charleston Beautiful’s most effective 2025 events, urging involvement as a New Year’s resolution to “keep Charleston clean, green, and beautiful.”
Upcoming Opportunities
The group hosts monthly cleanups. January events include one on the 19th along the Folly River and Battery Island. Check Keep Charleston Beautiful’s social media for details and to volunteer.
This initiative aligns with community-driven environmental efforts in the Southeast, promoting civic engagement through hands-on activities.
