BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON -- Jarrod Powers handled a shovel taller than he is.
The 8-year-old was one of nearly 35 people who braved Saturday's heat as part of "Pitch in for Hamilton," a campaign to remove litter and persuade people to keep their city clean.
Jarrod, a member of Cub Scout Pack 926, was glad to help, but was a little ticked that it was necessary.
People are "littering, and they're not supposed to," Jarrod said.
Added 8-year-old Rachel LeMaster: "They're messing up Hamilton." Neil Cohen, chairman of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, said the program's immediate objective was to remove litter in time for the annual DamFest celebration Aug. 7-9 along the Great Miami River.
Mr. Cohen said Pitch In For Hamilton is different from previous neighborhood cleanups because it is the first cooperative anti-litter effort among city and Butler County leaders, the Hamilton Public Schools system, businesses and residents.
"This is our first really visual approach to the community," Mr. Cohen said.
Leaders began talking about a united cleanup last fall. This year, a Litter Prevention Committee was formed.
Saturday, the target was Ohio 4.
After a meeting at the Butler County Courthouse on High Street, volunteers went along the highway from the northern edge of town south to the Fairfield border.
Hitting the streets instead of the weight room or couch was an easy choice for Adam Gedling, a sophomore wide receiver and cornerback on the Hamilton High School football team.
"Hamilton always helped me out, so it's time I give back to the community," he said.
