Volunteers invited to help collect litter on Isle of Palms beach Wednesday and Friday

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Volunteers are invited to help collect litter on Isle of Palms the day before and after the July 4 holiday.

The first Isle of Palms cleanup event will happen Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m., and then local groups will partner to clean up the beach after the city’s popular fireworks show on Friday morning.

It’s a team effort to sweep the beach during what the Isle of Palms Cleanup crew says is the busiest and dirtiest beach week of the year.

The group – founded in 2018 – has collected more than 200,000 pieces of litter. To keep the good work going, they are asking volunteers to join them for a fun morning of community service on July 3 and 5.

You can meet at the beach access on Ocean Boulevard by Smugglers and Coconut Joe’s near the outdoor showers.

Organizers say supplies for the sweep will be provided. They are simply looking for helping hands.

The South Carolina Aquariums will also be at the event to record data in their litter journal. That data tracks pollution trends and helps develop solutions for reducing trash.

Susan Hill Smith, leader of the litter sweep, said it would be a rewarding morning to keep the beach looking beautiful.

“Both on Isle of Palms and across the country, the 4th of July holiday week is one of the busiest and dirtiest weeks of the year for our beaches, and that is definitely true here. That is why we need those extra hands of people to come out,” she said.

Smith added, “Isle of Palms cleanup crew welcomes everyone to attend our litter sweeps, everyone can play a role, and you can also play a role just by being careful of what you bring to the beach when you come to visit.”

No advance registration is needed to help, and all ages are welcome. Kids will need to be accompanied by an adult.