Don't Mess With Texas Trash-Off April 5 is largest one-day cleanup in country

The Texas Department of Transportation is issuing a call to all Texans to volunteer for the Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off on April 5.

During Trash-Off, volunteers across the state clean roadsides, parks, waterways and neighborhoods.

"Until every Texan uses a litterbag in their car and refuses to litter, there will always be a need for Trash- Off," said Doris Howdeshell, Travel Information Division Director for TxDOT. "Because of the prevalence of litter, we consider Trash- Off one of the best events to help bring people together to clean up our roadways. In fact, we'd love to double last year's turnout, so we're asking everyone to volunteer and bring a friend."

Adopt-a-Highway volunteers are at the heart of Trash-Off, and TxDOT encourages all people to join their local community's efforts by registering at www.DontMessWithTexas.o rg and clicking on Get Involved, Programs, Trash- Off.

The Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off is the largest one-day statewide cleanup event in the U.S. and is cosponsored by TxDOT and Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB). The event brings together KTB volunteers and Adopta Highway groups from across the state.

For local information, contact Keep Jasper Beautiful at the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce office, 384- 2762.