The Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) is gearing up for its ninth community cleanup contest and is inviting local elementary through high school students to make it the biggest yet. The Triple Bag Challenge, a bi-annual event scheduled Sept. 23-28, inspires environmental stewardship while rewarding students’ cleanup efforts — not just in prizes but in earning valuable community service experience to include on resumes and in applications for jobs, leadership programs, scholarships and colleges.
Participating is easy: Register with SPEDA (instructions at the end of this story), then collect three bags of trash from local roadways or waterways between Sept. 23 and 28. Post before-and-after photos of your efforts on Facebook or Instagram using #spctriplesweep, and you’ll have the chance to win $500 cash or season passes to SomerSplash Waterpark.
Since its launch in 2020, the Triple Bag Challenge has awarded thousands of dollars in prizes to students who have donated their time to keep Somerset and Pulaski County beautiful. This year’s fall challenge coincides with the National Public Lands Trust Lake Cumberland Cleanup on Sept. 28.
SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler said students are encouraged to team up with friends or family and participate in both events to maximize their impact on the environment. “There is no shortage of places in Somerset-Pulaski County to pick up trash, and we hope our students will take advantage of the Triple Bag Chal.