By Jeff Helms – Chairman, Alabama PALS
Recently, I was reading a draft article in which the author referred to Alabama PALS as “Partners Against a Littered State.” I gently made the correction, noting our official name is People Against a Littered State. In doing so, however, I recognize we would be in bad shape without our partners!
At the top of that list are the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). We lean heavily on the support of these agencies in administering Adopt-A-Mile and Coastal Cleanup, respectively. Our relationships with ALDOT and ADCNR span decades, and we’ve formed personal friendships with many of their team members who share our passion for keeping Alabama beautiful.
We also appreciate our partnership with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), thanks to an annual appropriation from the General Fund budget. This year, the Legislature set aside $200,000 for our anti-littering efforts, up $50,000 from last year. We want to thank Gov. Kay Ivey and the General Fund budget chairs, Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, and Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, for their support in securing this much-needed funding.
Government grants and contracts, however, only provide a portion of the funds Alabama PALS needs to operate. Each year, we rely on sponsorships from sustaining and event partners. Major sponsors include Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Alfa Insurance, Coca-Cola United, Honda, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Vulcan Materials. We also depend on the work and generosity of the Alabama Association of County Commissions to assist with materials distribution, and support during the annual “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup.
Alabama PALS’ most important partners, however, are our volunteers. Without you, there would be no Alabama PALS. From the students who care for their campuses and community groups who pick up trash along the road, to weekend warriors who turn out in force for Spring Cleanup and Coastal Cleanup — you are the heart and soul of Alabama PALS.
Together, we are People Against a Littered State, but we’re also Partners in shaping a better, more beautiful Alabama.
Thank you!
– Jeff