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Keep Leesburg Beautiful reports surge in volunteers and litter removed; Golden Grabber awarded
Summary
Town staff reported 77 volunteers and about 1,500 pounds of litter collected during the month‑long Keep Leesburg Beautiful campaign, up from 42 volunteers and 410 pounds the prior year; Bridal Pack Hauling won the Golden Grabber team award (70 pounds collected at kickoff).
Town staff presented results from the Keep Leesburg Beautiful campaign during the May 11 council meeting and awarded the Golden Grabber to Bridal Pack Hauling.
Staff summarized program changes that included a Golden Grabber competition for small teams (10 or fewer), a digital map to spread volunteers across town to under‑served locations, and business sponsorships that provided volunteer discount cards. Staff said the changes increased participation and effectiveness: the town recorded 77 volunteers and about 1,500 pounds of litter collected this year versus 42 volunteers and about 410 pounds in 2024. The average pounds collected per volunteer rose from about 2.4 pounds in 2024 to roughly 10 pounds in 2025.
The Golden Grabber winner at the kickoff event was Bridal Pack Hauling, a two‑person team that collected 70 pounds. Staff also highlighted that a utilities crew of 18 staff members collected over 300 pounds during the kickoff and commended their effort.
Staff noted operational improvements to consider for 2026, including decentralized bag/material pick‑up locations to reduce volunteer friction and increased staff team engagement for volunteer events.
What it means: The program changes appear to have increased both volunteer turnout and the average effectiveness of volunteers. Council thanked staff and organizers and encouraged continued outreach and improvements for 2026.
