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December 5, 2009

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Letter: Picking up litter not the answer

Friday, April 21, 2000 | 9:44 a.m.

In response to the April 7 article, "Youth trash pickup program likely to end," here are some possible alternatives to replace the trash program: painting homes and visiting, reading to and doing errands for the elderly.

They also could care for children, visit hospice patients, work with Habitat for Humanity, help at homeless shelters, work at animal shelters, visit sick children in the hospital and work with churches, just to mention a few.

These programs have the potential to teach morality, compassion and appreciation for others and may help a teen to be more grateful for what they do have.

In regard to litter, aside from the danger, it is merely a punitive measure to have anyone pick up litter. It is degrading work and does little to rehabilitate. Our legislators might consider more strict fines for littering accompanied by the posting of signs. They could also follow the lead of other states by requiring deposits on bottles and cans. There are many who would be happy to pick up a can for a 10-cent return.

KATHY ALEXANDER Coalition for Family Court Reform

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