PCF to help clean community with annual Trash Bash

PUTNAMVILLE -- There certainly is never a shortage of offenders at Putnamville Correctional Facility. So why not use them for a great cause, prison officials reason.

With springtime activities about to commence that means it's time for the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) spring cleaning. The annual Trash Bash, which takes place through April 27, aids in raising awareness of the presence of litter in local communities and along roadsides.

During 2013 more than 20,000 bags of trash were collected by INDOT crews, along with the efforts of work crews from the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) and volunteers statewide. In addition, 1,256 cubic yards of loose rubbish was collected off the main highways.

"Any chance that our facility can get to help out the local area is a priority to us," Putnamville (PCF) Superintendent Stanley Knight said. "We strive to find ways for our offenders to give their time and hard work to help in any way possible, not only for the community itself, but for their re-entry back into society."

With such clean-up efforts planned, residents shouldn't be surprised to see teams of offenders giving back to the community, working along the roadsides, helping to beautify the state of Indiana.

Meanwhile, INDOT encourages all Hoosiers to keep Indiana's highways clean by following some simple tips:

-- -Don't litter: Even your children can be involved-teach them.

-- Be responsible: Instead of throwing your waste out the car window, carry an old grocery bag in your car.

-- Report it: Keep an eye out for those who illegally dump their garbage. You can report them to your local transportation office.

-- Adopt it: To find out how your group can become involved in helping beautify an area near you by participating in Adopt-A-Highway, Sponsor-A-Highway or other highway beautification efforts, persons may contact the PCF Customer Service Department at 1-800-279-5758.