It is gathering steam.

The idea of a county-wide cleanup day is gathering momentum among area civic groups, churches and governments.

Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District Director Dan Palmer said already, 14 groups have pledged to participate in the May 2 event. Palmer said he has spoken with several others in hopes of luring them to join the effort as well.

“We want people to take pride in Lawrence County and I am so pleased with how many groups have called and signed on. I think already this is pretty phenomenal for the first year and in less than two weeks (after announcing the idea). We’re looking forward to it,” Palmer said.

Palmer gave credit to Randy Lilly, of Ironton, for providing inspiration for the county-wide event. Lilly has spearheaded an annual cleanup event in Ironton for many years, aided by volunteers who pick up litter, plant flowers, pull weeds and perform other spring cleaning-style chores.

Those who are interested in participating in the May 2 cleanup may call the solid waste office at 532-1231.

Those who will participate and the area each group will sponsor are: Operation TLC, State Route 7 in Proctorville; Sedgewick United Methodist Church, Ironton Post Office; city of Ironton, downtown Ironton; Memorial United Methodist Church, Marion Pike in Coal Grove; Bald Knob United Brethren Church, six miles of County Road 6; Union Township trustees, the township; Ironton in Bloom, downtown Ironton; New Hope United Methodist Church, Irene Road in Proctorville; a girl’s softball team, Crabtree Hollow; village of Chesapeake, the village; St. Joseph High School students, downtown Ironton; Ironton High School students, downtown Ironton; Fayette Township trustees, the township and the Concerned Citizens of Burlington, the community.