Pike County PRIDE Hero

(April 6, 2012) - When most people think about the PRIDE group in Pike County, they think about this week's Billy Johnson Community Hero, Jimmy Dale Sanders. The PRIDE Initiative, started 15 years ago by Congressman Hal Rogers, stands for Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment, and Jimmy Dale Sanders is one of its biggest supporters. Mr. Sanders has been working with the Pike County PRIDE group for 13 years, and spends much of his time working with school groups and helping organize various community clean-up projects. And, throughout the past several years, he says he can tell a difference. "I have seen great results, and we've cleaned up over 300 illegal dumps in Pike County through the solid waste department and PRIDE working together," said Sanders. "We've come a long way! The river that runs behind my house is about 90% better than it was 20 years ago."

And, even though illegal dump sites are being cleaned up and less people seem to be littering, Mr. Sanders says he still sees litter on the sides of the road in places all across Pike County. And, that is something he cannot stand. "I drive down the road and see litter or an illegal dump, and it really irritates me. It's not a hard thing to control litter," explains Sanders. "If people would just keep their garbage in their car or truck until they get home and put it in garbage cans, the solid waste department will pick it up and get rid of it."

Jimmy Dale Sanders is known throughout our region as a PRIDE volunteer who sacrifices many weekends and evening hours working to clean up Pike County. And, he says one thing that gives him hope is the youth involvement he sees through several area schools. Because, he knows in his heart that everyone working together can make a difference. "When you can see the results, that's what it's all about! I hope to be able to drive down our roads and hollows and not see litter that looks like it snowed all along the ditch lines. It shouldn't be that way."

Congratulations, Jimmy Dale Sanders, this week's Billy Johnson Community Hero.