Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization, recently named Kaufman County a Silver Star Affiliate, a designation granted to only 28 of KTB’s nearly 300 affiliates. Silver Star recognition is the second-highest status any community affiliate can achieve.
To remain in good standing with KTB, community affiliates must submit a report, pay dues, attend training and participate in a KTB-endorsed activity annually. In 2004, the organization introduced the concept of Silver Star recognition to reward those communities who sought to go above and beyond the established requirements.
To achieve this Silver Star status, affiliates must share information on their mission and goals, answer questions about their partnerships and underserved populations, or participate in the Beautify Texas Awards or Governor’s Community Achievement Awards programs. KTB will formally recognize Silver Star communities during its 55th Annual Conference in June.
“Our affiliates are the backbone of our organization. We are proud to honor those going above and beyond to keep their communities clean and beautiful,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of Keep Texas Beautiful. “Our Silver Star Affiliates are educating and engaging community members, actively recruiting and managing volunteers, hosting cleanup and beautification events throughout their community and so much more.”
In 2021 alone, KTB affiliates engaged 41,550 volunteers who contributed 190,094 hours to collect 3.25 million pounds of waste and recyclables from Texas roadways, trails, and waterways. Kaufman County successfully implemented programs to clean up litter, reduce and recycle waste, educate local citizens, and beautify and enhance the local community.
The Keep Kaufman County Beautiful Committee works hard to inform residents about monthly clean up schedules, as well as host informational booths at community events and share recycling facts at schools and libraries throughout the year.
“We are very proud Kaufman County was recognized by Keep Texas Beautiful for our efforts to provide free monthly cleanup events and educational programs” stated Precinct 1 Commissioner, Mike Hunt.
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