Redlands Community College and Federal Bureau of Prisons El Reno recently teamed up for a grassroots program aimed at cleaning up sections of Canadian County.

As part of the 2014 Great American Cleanup, RCC and FCI El Reno worked on a cleanup of areas of El Reno, as well as along historic Route 66 west of that city. Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma was sponsored by Keep Oklahoma Beautiful and Devon Energy.

“The Federal Correctional Institution was happy to assist with the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful project,” said Joel Rogalsky, FCI public information officer. “Eight of our minimum security inmates and three staff members picked up trash and other debris on Route 66 from Reformatory Road west to Interstate 40.

“We look forward to our continued partnership with Redlands Community College and the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful project,” he said.

The Great American Cleanup is touted as the “nation’s largest grassroots community improvement program,” according to its website. Redlands President Jack Bryant said it was important for the college’s faculty, students and staff to take part in the effort.

“I am extremely proud of the students, faculty and staff that participated in the cleanup day,” he said. “We are glad to provide service opportunities that benefit our community.”

GAC is a “call to action” for communities to work toward beautification as well as green energy, recycling and other measures, said Jordan Scott, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful projects director.

“Service to the community is the ultimate demonstration that you love where you live,” Scott said. “Participating in the GAC can become the foundation for uniting Oklahomans in activities that create long-lasting effects.”

In 2013, more than 66,000 volunteers and participants took part in GAC events across Oklahoma, collecting 5.2 million pounds of litter and debris, along with cleaning 14,300 acres of parks, public lands and open spaces, Scott said.