Volunteers removed approximately 300 cubic yards of debris in four to five hours during Rotan’s first community-wide cleanup day.
An estimated 140+ volunteers armed with skid steers, dump trailers and helping hands removed approximately 300 cubic yards of debris in four to five hours Saturday during Rotan's first community-wide cleanup day.
The effort brought together the Rotan Improvement Group (RIG), Rotan Economic Development Corporation, City of Rotan and community volunteers after about six weeks of planning.
Organizers raised more than $15,000 during that time to help cover roll-off dumpsters, meals, water and other expenses.
“What we accomplished in just six weeks was tremendous,” said RIG representative Rory Burroughs.
Volunteers began gathering at Veterans Park Saturday morning before spreading across town to tackle a list of projects submitted by residents and organizers. Some arrived ready to provide labor, while others brought trailers, skid steers and equipment needed to haul trees, old furniture and other debris.
That was precisely how organizers envisioned the cleanup working when plans were announced in August. Residents needing assistance were encouraged to submit projects while organizers simultaneously developed a list of volunteers, tools and equipment that could be matched with those needs.
“I am floored with the amount of help we received,” said Burroughs. “I’m just blown away.”
Fisher County Commissioner Dexter Elrod was among those impressed with the turnout. He estimated 142 volunteers participated and described trucks, dump trailers and skid steers working throughout the morning.
“Been here all my life and the teamwork that was done today is just one of the reasons I’m proud to call Fisher County my home,” Elrod posted on social media.
Although volunteers did not complete every project on the list, Burroughs said they finished most of what organizers hoped to accomplish.
Despite moving approximately 300 cubic yards of debris during temperatures reaching around 104 degrees, no injuries or damaged utility lines were reported.
Only a couple of equipment breakdowns occurred, and Burroughs said those were easily repaired.
The work was only part of the day. Volunteers also gathered for lunch, giving those who had spent the morning working in different parts of town an opportunity to sit down and visit.
Combined with a tailgate party supporting Rotan athletics, Burroughs said the activities helped make it a larger weekend of community involvement.
“Great turnout,” said Burroughs. “Great community involvement.”
Organizers are already looking toward the next cleanup. Burroughs said the first effort provided lessons about what worked and where improvements can make future events more efficient.
That was part of the original goal. Before Saturday's cleanup, organizers said they hoped the effort could become an annual or semiannual event, using lessons from the first cleanup to improve those that followed.
The next cleanup is expected during the spring months, when organizers hope volunteers will have cooler temperatures for the work.
“It's hard to get something started, but once people see progress, they see something happening, and they see the positive results, they want to join,” said Burroughs. “We hope to capitalize on the momentum.”
With most of the first project list completed and another cleanup already planned, organizers hope Saturday's results will carry that momentum into the spring.