Iowa Western Women's Basketball Team recently took part in a volunteer effort to clean up Council Bluffs. The team traveled a two mile stretch off of Interstate 80 picking up anything from plastic bottles, aluminum cans, trash and car debris. One lucky player even managed to find a ten dollar bill during the clean up expedition. The girls cleaned the two mile stretch for three hours on a bitter cold spring afternoon. They all believe their efforts left a great impression.
"When we started cleaning up, there were a lot of cars and trucks that would honk as they passed by." Commented freshmen point guard Amber Peterson. "They smiled and some gave us a thumbs up. It made us feel good that we could help out in the community."

It wasn't hard to detect the cleaning crew with their bright green vests on and trashbags in hand.

Pictured below are the women's basketball volunteers. (From left to right) Freshman Karol Rykowska, Sophomore Emily Richards, Freshmen Airelle Eldridge, Chloe Parker and Amber Peterson.

"It felt good that we were able to leave our section cleaner and more beautiful then the way we found it." Chloe Parker mentioned. "Since my experience out cleaning up the highway, I make sure none of my friends litter and always throw their trash away!"

"This is just one way our program enjoys giving back to the community." Head Coach Jim Turgeon comments. "I think it is a great experience for these girls to contribute to something that is greater than themselves."

Keep Council Bluffs Beautiful mission is to educate and empower the residents of Council Bluffs to take greater responsibility for enhancing our environment thereby instilling a sense of community, pride, and leadership. To find more information as to how you can volunteer visit KEEP COUNCIL BLUFFS BEAUTIFUL's website at http://www.keepcouncilbluffsbeautiful.org/