Phi Theta Kappa to Host Adopt A Highway

by Kaitlyn Thompson

Twice a year, WVU Parkersburg’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Sigma Omega Chapter hosts Adopt A Highway. Adopt A Highway is a state-wide event that allows PTK members and volunteers to assist their communities by cleaning up excess trash.

Marie Butler, Phi Theta Kappa – Sigma Omega Chapter Adviser, members and advisors of the organization collaborate with the WV Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection to put on this event.

“By participating in this state-wide event, our chapter is providing a much-needed service to the community,” Butler said.

For several years, Adopt A Highway has been part of PTK’s history and continues to thrive. The project runs on a two-year contract, and once the contract runs out, it is renewed for another two-year period.

“Our community benefits greatly from this service…,” Butler said. “…we have had requests from local residents asking us to address areas we have never been able to reach all because we lack the necessary manpower.”

Adopt A Highway is an occasion that provides service to our local community. This community service project gives PTK members the ability to enact change and make a difference in the community.

“For Phi Theta Kappa members, I want them to understand the importance of serving,” Butler said. “Serving can be a humbling experience. None of us should think too highly of ourselves that we refuse to serve our local community.”

Butler and the college’s PTK chapter have one goal for the upcoming event: to have over 25 participants so areas who have not been subject to the project in previous years, can have the opportunity now.

“During our spring 2018 event, several of us who were volunteering were stopped by residents of the Happy Valley community who asked if we could also pick up the trash in their area,” Butler said. “Unfortunately, we could not as we only had a few volunteers.”

PTK members are not the only people who can participate. The event is open to any willing volunteers; the only thing volunteers have to do is show up. The more volunteers that come, the more trash will be picked up and the more the community benefits.

“We never turn away volunteers,” Butler said. “The more volunteers we have, the more we can accomplish!”

WVU Parkersburg’s PTK chapter’s Adopt A Highway will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. and will conclude around 11 a.m. Volunteers should come before 9 a.m. and from there, groups will split up to begin the days’ work. Participants should come dressed appropriately. Gloves will be provided by the Department of Transportation. The organization’s members and volunteers will meet at the WVU Parkersburg main campus front doors located near the multipurpose room.