Trash-a-thon Fundraiser
Purpose:
To raise funds for a need at __(school or group)__ through sponsorship (or donations)
for picking up litter around the community.
Trash-a-thon Kickoff
Prior to the Trash-a-thon, have a kick-off with the students, with the purpose of
introducing them to the event, teaching them the importance of picking up litter, and not
leaving any on the ground themselves. This should be a fun yet educational event so kids get
excited about the event, and see the importance of what they are doing. This is also a good
time to emphasize and visually show the children what (and where) NOT to pick up.
Each Child Receives:




1 donation sheet attached to a funds-collecting envelope with clasp
1 instruction sheet and litter tally sheet*
1 plastic bag (from the recycling bin at a grocery store)*
1 pair of kids’ plastic gloves*
* To be given to the students the Friday that marks the start of the clean-up weekend.
** Try asking Walmart or another large company to donate the plastic gloves and
envelopes.
Trash-a-thon Donation Sheet
Mahalo for donating to our “Trash-a-thon”!
This wonderful student has pledged to pick up litter found around our community between
Friday the __(first date of cleanup weekend)___ through Monday the __(last date of cleanup
weekend)___.
By donating to the cause, your money will support __(school or group)__ .
Name
Phone
Sponsor amount per piece of trash picked up /max amt
Trash-a-Thon Instruction Sheet
Do you know what you can find almost everywhere you go? Nope, not flowers. Nope, not
birds. Nope, not even grass. It’s litter. That’s right – trash left on the ground by us humans.
Litter is found on our roads, sidewalks, fields, beaches and in our water. This not only makes
our land ugly, but is dangerous for our birds, fish, and many other animals.
YOU can help!! On ____(clean up date)___, you will have a chance to pick up litter you
find all around the community. By asking people to give donations for this special clean up day,
you will also be helping the school raise funds for their ___(purpose of the funds)___!
Of course, this is not the only day you can pick up litter – you can do it everyday!! And
remember to not leave any litter on the ground yourself.
Here Is How To Do It:
1. From today until ___(end date for gathering donations) ____, ask your family, friends,
and neighbors to give donations for your cleanup.
2. From Friday the __(first date of cleanup weekend)___ through Monday the __(last date
of cleanup weekend)___, pick up as much litter as you can from around your
neighborhood, beach, park, etc. Place it into your plastic bag, using your plastic gloves
to keep your hands clean. Grades K-3 need to be accompanied by an adult.
3. Count each piece of litter (that’s bigger than your thumb) and mark it down on your
tally sheet. Be sure to mark as you clean so you don’t lose track! Have your parent or
guardian sign off on your clean up sheet.
4. Put your bag of trash in a proper garbage can.
The top _(#)_ students picking up the most pieces of litter will receive __(award)__; the
top performing class will receive a __(award)__
   CAUTION: Look on the back to find litter we do NOT pick up   
Have fun!!! Smile – you’re helping our land and our school!
(on back of instruction sheet)
Beware!
Some litter is not safe to pick up – ask a grown-up to pick up these items.
Keep yourself safe and do NOT pick these up yourself! If you find trash in these areas,
tell an adult and let them decide whether to pick it up.
1. Sharp objects (needles, glass, sharp plastic, knives, sharp and/or rusty metal)
2. Tissue
3. Dirty diapers
4. Litter around the shelter of a homeless person
5. Litter in tall grass
6. Litter in the street
If in doubt, leave it out!