Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission (KCBC), in partnership with Columbus Water Works and the Help the Hooch planning committee, proudly announces the 32nd Annual Help the Hooch Community Clean-Up on Saturday, October 3, 2026. 

For more than 30 years, Help the Hooch has united tens of thousands of students, civic groups, military units, businesses, families, and community volunteers in protecting the Chattahoochee River and local waterways by removing litter from parks, streams, neighborhoods, and trails. 

“Help the Hooch is one of our community’s most meaningful traditions,” said Lisa Thomas-Cutts, Executive Director of KCBC. “Each year, thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to protect the Chattahoochee River. It’s a powerful reminder that when we unite around a common purpose, we can make a lasting difference for both our environment and our city.” 

This year’s Help the Hooch effort is co-chaired by Avianca Dowdell and Devon Moree, who are helping lead the planning and coordination of the 32nd Annual community cleanup. 

Highlights of this year’s cleanup: 

School & Campus Cleanups -Friday, October 2: Students and educators across area schools are invited to organize cleanup efforts on their campuses and in surrounding neighborhoods. 

Community Cleanup - Saturday, October 3: Volunteers of all ages will tackle cleanup sites throughout the Chattahoochee Valley, helping remove litter and debris from neighborhoods, parks, streams, trails and areas surrounding the 
Chattahoochee River. 

KCBC invites schools, businesses, civic groups, military units, families and residents to take part in this longstanding community tradition. For more information, please contact Keep Columbus Beautiful at (706) 225-4008 or 
[email protected].