KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Dozens of people came out Saturday morning to participate in a huge clean up effort that was inspired by a three-year-old Osceola County toddler.
Anthony Hawes and his son Austin spearheaded the event. Hawes told News 6 his three-year-old son came up with the idea after he saw ducks playing in the water that was filled with trash.
"I'm proud that a three year old can make a difference with the help from his dad," Hawes said.
He also got a lot of help from the community. Through the power of social media and the community's support, Hawes planned the huge cleanup effort.
Local businesses sponsored the event, and local organizations also participated. They held raffles and gave out prizes for participants.
People of all ages came out armed with their plastic gloves and garbage bags. They combed every inch of the park and picked up trash, from small cigarette butts to large plastic bottles.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and two local Boy Scout troops took the cleanup efforts out onto the lake. Their scout master told News 6 Â that this teaches them how to be good citizens.
"It's paying it forward, basically, is what it does. It puts leadership, commonsense, giving back to the community, that's what we're suppose to do," Sean Cronin, scout master for Troop 240 said.
The organized effort is part of an even larger picture.
"If everyone contributes a little bit, the world would just be a better place. If everyone just did a little bit that they could do for their communities," participant Katie Dodge said.
It is a big lesson coming from someone so small.
"I want him to continue that same heart that he has, the kind heart that he has for the community and the people in it," Hawes said. "Hopefully we can inspire people to continue this effort, not just today, but everyday."
Hawes and his son are holding another cleanup effort on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Cloud Lakefront Water Park. Visit this website for more information.