Anyone can talk about making a difference, but are we — as a community — ready to step up and put our proverbial money where our mouths are?

In fact, it is sweat equity that is needed instead of cash.

All of Lawrence County will have that opportunity on May 5 during the annual countywide cleanup day.

This is a massive undertaking that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers across nearly all of the 455 square miles of Lawrence County to clean up trash and make our community more beautiful.

The event is coordinated by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District. Although Dan Palmer and his staff does a tremendous job of getting corporate sponsors and other financial assistance, the event is driven by concerned citizens willing to volunteer their time and labor to make Lawrence County shine.

It is not too late to commit in advance to this civic project that shows pride and ownership in the region we love and call home.

Although individuals are certainly welcome to just show up at any of the sites across the county on May 5, it is preferred that they register by April 6. For more information, call the solid waste office at (740) 532-1231.

Sacrificing just a few hours this one Saturday in May can go a long way toward improving our community. And just like that popular credit card commercial on television, this impact is truly priceless.