Keep McIntosh Beautiful Releases
FY 2024–2025 Impact Report
From marsh to mainland, McIntosh County is looking cleaner, greener, and more vibrant than ever—and it’s thanks to the people who call it home. Neighbors, business owners, students, civic leaders, faith communities, and volunteers from every corner came together over the past year to create visible, lasting change.
Keep McIntosh Beautiful (KMB), a local nonprofit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, recently released its FY 2024–2025 Impact Report, highlighting how grassroots action and shared commitment can transform a community. And the results show that this rural coastal county is not only rising to the challenge—it’s setting the bar.
By the Numbers: A Shared Commitment in Action
In just one year, 154 environmental events were held throughout McIntosh
County—each one supporting a cleaner, greener, and more connected future.
Together, we:
Removed 23,640 pounds of litter and debris from roads, waterways, parks, and public spaces
Recycled 27,827 pounds, including 824 tires, keeping waste out of local landfills
Planted 3 trees and 42 native pollinator plants, adding beauty, shade, and
biodiversity
Distributed 30 trees to local residents to help grow our tree canopy one yard at a time
These numbers directly support KMB’s core mission goals:
- A Clean, Green & Beautiful McIntosh County through litter reduction and beautification
- A Preserved, Protected & Healthy Coastal Environment through recycling and native planting
- A Vibrant Tourism Economy by ensuring our public spaces are welcoming, scenic, and well cared-for
People Power Makes It Possible
The real engine behind these efforts? People. A remarkable 569 volunteers gave 1,251 hours of their time—contributing the equivalent of $39,781.80 in value through their hard work and dedication. Whether cleaning up roadside litter, hosting recycling drives, teaching youth about sustainability, or digging holes for native plants, their efforts made a measurable difference.
In all, 13,762 residents and participants were directly engaged this year—a number that exceeds the county’s population. That means people showed up again and again to support the work. And thanks to cleaner streets, revitalized spaces, and educational outreach, an estimated 113,200 people—including visitors, travelers, and daily passersby—benefited from the progress.
Making Every Dollar Count
Even without local government funding, McIntosh County’s environmental progress didn’t slow down. KMB, supported by donors and community partners, maximized every resource:
$6,630 in grant funding powered hands-on projects
$12,970 in in-kind donations—from supplies to services—expanded our reach
$2,350 in donated media helped spread the word
$35,240 in cost savings offset expenses for city and county services by reducing waste and cleanup needs
Combined, that’s nearly $100,000 in leveraged resources—proving that this kind of public-private partnership is not only effective, it’s efficient.
Clean Spaces, Stronger Tourism
When our community invests in itself, everyone benefits—including those who come to experience it. Whether strolling along Darien’s waterfront, kayaking local creeks, biking our scenic routes, or simply pulling off for lunch at a local café, visitors take notice of the care we put into our environment. Cleaner boat ramps, litter-free streets, and blooming public gardens are more than just
eye-catching—they’re invitations. And as McIntosh County continues to grow its reputation as an eco-tourism and heritage destination, this shared effort helps build a stronger local economy.
Why It Matters—And What’s Next
What started as a few volunteers picking up roadside trash has become something much bigger: a visible, measurable movement toward pride of place. “This work only happens because people care deeply about this county—and they show up,” said Tracy Sanford, Executive Director of Keep McIntosh Beautiful. “These numbers aren’t ours—they belong to every person who picked up a bag, shared a resource, planted a tree, or taught a child about caring for the earth. Together, we’re not just cleaning up—we’re investing in a future we can all be proud of.”
As FY 2025–2026 begins, KMB and its partners are more energized than ever to
expand outreach, improve recycling education, grow beautification projects, and continue building a community where environmental responsibility is a shared value—not a special occasion.
Be Part of It
If you want to make a difference—whether for an hour or a season—there’s a place fory ou.
Volunteer. Donate. Connect. Every action adds up.
Visit www.keepmcintoshbeautiful.com or contact: Tracy Sanford, Executive Director, keepmcintoshbeautiful@gmail.com | 912-289-1083
Upcoming Events. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and/or sign up for our monthly email newsletter.
Volunteer & Member Appreciation Open House – September 30, 5:30–7:30 PM at Emma’s Driftwood Farm. Come on out, meet fellow supporters, and see what KMB is all about!
Rivers Alive Water Cleanup – October 18. Location TBD. Join us for this important community effort to help keep our waterways clean.
Community Recycling Event – November 15. This fall’s event will include tire recycling! Special thanks to the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners and Public Works Director Steve Mellinger for helping make this possible.
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