Operation TLC (Tidy-Up Lawrence County) and the Proctorville Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 6878

are combining their efforts to sponsor a pig roast on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 or two for $15 and may be purchased at the door. Entertainment includes the Bluegrass band “Willow Wood” and door prizes will be awarded.

Operation TLC is a litter awareness program founded three years ago by Taunya Wilson and Billie Smith.

“Taunya and I put our heads together and decided to do something for the beautification of the community,” Smith said.

The women met with county officials and came up with a master plan that included a grant in which the state matches the funds raised by Operation TLC.

Billie’s husband, Bob Smith, is also involved in the group’s efforts.

“All money raised will go toward various projects that Operation TLC is involved with,” Bob Smith said. “So far, we have been able to purchase 13 Chesapeake street signs, window boxes, flowers, as well as supplies for the cleanups, such as bags, water, and gloves.”

The group performs three to four cleanups a year, focusing primarily on the four miles between the 31st Street Bridge and the 6th Street Bridge.

A recent cleanup was attended by 38 volunteers who collected over 100 bags of trash.

“Volunteers are wonderful on cleanup days,” Billie Smith said. “People who help us are eager to see change and educate others.”

For its efforts, Operation TLC was recently awarded two NatureWorks grants, in the amount of $10,000 each, for the Chesapeake and Proctorville Parks.

When asked what has motivated them to maintain the program’s success, Billie Smith said, “People are so kind, supportive, and glad we are doing something.

That’s what keeps us going.”