Items collected included food wrappers, drink cans, broken glass, clothing, an inflatable children’s pool and even a TV.

Citico Creek, located in Orchard Knob behind Carver Community Center, is a direct tributary to the Tennessee River. Litter from the streets washes into the creek when it rains, where it is then swept into the river, contributing to the ongoing pollution problem. Removing trash from the creek has a ripple effect on the cleanliness of Chattanooga’s water supply.

“With thousands of acres of public land in the Chattanooga area, the city relies on volunteers to keep our green spaces clean, safe and beautiful,” said Austin Adderholt, volunteer and community engagement coordinator for Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors. “We regularly host volunteer days throughout the city, and are always looking for groups like TVFCU to pitch in. Groups can get involved by emailing aadderholt@chattanooga.gov.”

This effort was part of TVFCU’s sponsorship of NewsChannel 9’s “Clean Currents” monthly challenge. Each month, viewers are challenged to adopt one simple habit to maintain healthy waterways. Challenges have included using a reusable water bottle, picking up three pieces of litter each day, and participating in an Earth Day event. The Citico Creek cleanup was the first in a series of planned volunteer events connected to the initiative.

“The Clean Currents initiative really fits with our vision at TVFCU, which is to create a place for all of us here in the Tennessee Valley,” said Amber Doolittle, TVFCU’s community outreach liaison. “Our waterways are a huge part of what brings people together in our communities, and small actions truly do make a meaningful difference.”