Groups raise funds through cleanup

More local organizations wanting to raise funds have chosen to do cleanup drives around the island.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce said that in the past couple of months alone, several groups of students, church members, and other club or organization representatives participated in its Cash for Trash program, cleaning up various roadsides and beaches islandwide.

“It gives these groups the opportunity not only to provide community service and clean up the island’s beautiful beaches and parks but also to raise funds for the activities of their organizations,” said the chamber.

For instance, it said that a 5th grade class at Garapan Elementary School donated part of the money they earned to the Marianas March Against Cancer, while a Mount Carmel class was able to sponsor a class reunion.

Other groups used their money to purchase equipment for the church’s music team, youth group, or as additional fund for trips.

The Trash for Cash program gives out $200 for any group that cleans up an identified site.

Among those that participated in the past months were Saipan Marshallese Assemblies of God, Classic Imports, Life in the Son Christian Fellowship, Multi-Sectoral Overseas Workers’ Movement, Northern Marianas College’s Volunteer Club, Mt. Carmel Class of 1994, Marianas High School’s National Honor Society, MHS JROTC, MHS My Wave groups, GES’ 5th grade, Eucon International School, and MHS Japanese Society.

The Cash for Trash program was first organized in 2000 by the chamber’s Environmental Committee.

To date, over a hundred organizations have participated in the program, it said.

To qualify, interested groups must pick up a packet at the chamber’s office located on the first floor of the Family Building in Garapan. The packet contains the application form, requirements, and the list of recommended locations to clean on Saipan.

Upon approval by the chamber of the date and location of the cleanup activity, the chamber informs the Department of Public Works’ Solid Waste Transfer Station, the Coastal Resources Management Office, and the Department of Agriculture of the expected date(s) and the organization conducting the cleanup activity.

Prior to the cleanup activity, the organization goes to the Department of Agriculture to select up to four trees that will be planted during their cleanup activity.

The group is also required to bring the trash to the DPW transfer station in Lower Base.

The program requires taking pictures before, during, and after the cleanup event for submission. All supporting documents (report and photos) must be provided to the chamber in order to receive compensation for the group’s effort.

Each organization has a chance to join the program twice a year within a six-month span “in order to afford the opportunity to other organizations,” the chamber said.

The chamber gets its funding from business donors, mostly from members, as well as the Coastal Resources Management.