Is it your turn to volunteer?

On April 26, Douglas residents will have the chance to give back to the community by volunteering their time and energy for “Make A Difference Day,” a citywide clean up effort.

“The event will enlist volunteers from various businesses, schools and community organizations to remove trash and litter from select areas throughout the city,” said Charles Ebner, the community development director for the City of Douglas.

The event is a collaborative effort between the City and Cochise County, Ebner said.

The volunteers will first meet at the Visitor Center and they will be divided into teams to move out and descend on this year’s targeted areas, he said.

“The crews will focus on littered alleys, and if time allows, abandoned lots, neglected properties, parkways and anything that needs to be cleaned,” Ebner said.

Volunteers are asked to bring their own rakes, shovels and gloves; the city will provide trash bags. The crews will work from 8 a.m. to noon.

At noon, the volunteers will regroup at the Visitor Center for a special lunch provided by the city and generous donations as a “thank you” for participating in the project, Ebner said.

On April 25 and 26 residents will be allowed to drop off bulk items at the Public Works facility at 2701 Sulphur Spring Road from 7a.m. to noon. The facility will also be taking computers, paper, and cardboard for recycling at the location.

Items that can be dropped off are furniture, mattresses, broken appliances, auto parts, water heaters, tires, couches, washing machines, dryers, stoves, and other bulky items.

Items that they will not take are household hazardous waste, batteries, pesticides, pool chemicals, motor oil and paint.

The event sponsors are Arizona Public Service, City of Douglas, Cochise County and The Daily Dispatch.