Program Implementation.

In an equal partnership with the Union County Public School System, county charter and private schools, Union County Rotary Clubs targeted 2,200 third grade students to begin the "Yes! Yes! We Can Stop Littering" program during 2001-2002 school year. Through the writing of news articles in specific topics about littering, students will compete for monetary prizes and recognition. On the high school level, Rotary Interact Club members will also participate in a news article contest. These will be submitted for publication in their high school newspapers.

Small business owners and executives of major corporations in Union County have been contacted in an effort to gain widespread support for the program among the business community. They have been asked to contribute free products and/or monetary rewards for the program winners. Companies that produce by-products, which contribute to littering, have been targeted. (Examples: fast food chain's, soft drink industry (see exhibit A). Displays and artwork from recycled materials are planned for Bloomington Arts Festival and the opening of a new regional library of Union West Library, both in May 2000.

Awards.

All third grade participants from 20 elementary schools will receive:

• "Yes! Yes! We Can Stop Littering" with "Don't be a Litterbug" symbol t-shirts Union County Rotary Clubs are listed on the back of the t-shirts(click to here to view)
• "Keep NC Clean & Green" litter bag with pencils, stickers and bumper stickers with the stop littering message(click here to view)
• Free Mighty Kids Happy Meals from McDonald's Corporation. All McDonalds' items will be placed in the litter bags for each child

• Plaque with winner's name to be displayed by the school (click here to view)
• Publicity in the news media

• $500 annuity
• Publicity in the news media

• $500 scholarship

• Plaques
• Publicity in the news media