COLUMBIA, MO (April 6, 2011) -

The city of Columbia’s Volunteer Programs reports that 1,759 volunteers representing 149 groups have registered to participate in this Saturday’s Cleanup Columbia. This is the 15th annual citywide trash pickup event.

Volunteers will be along Columbia streets and trails and in streams and parks Saturday morning picking up litter. Following trash pickup, volunteers are invited to a picnic lunch at noon sponsored by APAC-Missouri Inc. at Twin Lakes Recreation Area to celebrate their efforts. Groups set their own start time for cleanup.

There is still time for residents to get involved by volunteering. Those interested in participating can identify a cleanup location and pick up supplies Friday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. or Saturday from 7-9 a.m. at the Office of Neighborhood Services, 3601 S. Providence Road. The Office is housed in the old Fire Station 7 on the west outer road of Providence between Green Meadows and Nifong.

The public is encouraged to use caution while driving in Columbia on Saturday morning as volunteers may be working near roadways.

Cleanup Columbia is sponsored by APAC-Missouri Division and 102.3 BXR. Columbia Public Works and the Golden K Kiwanis Club provide special assistance for the event.

To learn more about Cleanup Columbia, contact the Office of Volunteer Services at 874-7499 or visit the city’s website at www.GoColumbiaMo.com.