More than 65 bags of trash and 27 tires were collected last week as Keep Dawson County Beautiful and the Dawson County Marshal’s Office teamed up to kick off the Great American Clean-up.

With almost 50 local volunteers ranging in ages from 7 to 70, the group cleared trash along several main roadways in eastern Dawson County for about three hours on Saturday morning.

“We appreciate everyone dedicating a Saturday morning to assist with this effort,” said Keep Dawson County Beautiful Executive Director Cathy Brooks. “Our volunteers and sponsors are the backbone of our success in making the vision a reality.”

Nestle provided water for the volunteers, while the trash bags were furnished by Glad.

Jeff McClain, who walked about two miles clearing debris from Auraria Road, said the clean up was his third in the last year.

Saturday’s clean-up event focused on roads in the county’s District 3, which covers the west side of the county near Lake Lanier.

Commission Chair Mike Berg, who lives in the district, was one of the dozens of volunteers and commended the effort.

“It’s so gratifying to see people give of their time to keep their community clean,” Berg said.

“It proves we have a good community that cares how their community looks.”

In an effort to promote the general cleanliness and beautification of Dawson County, other community clean-up events are planned throughout the year.

“The Great American Clean-up continues Saturday with our second annual electronics recycling event we’re having at Dawsonville Wal-Mart from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Brooks said.

A second clean-up will be held this fall in the county’s fourth district.

For more information, call Brooks at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 255.