Masonboro.org volunteers marking 15 years of cleaning up the island on Independance Day

The organization adds the clean-up effort could use a few more volunteers

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) – Masonboro.org volunteers every year clean up the Island during the nation’s birthday.

“We love to use Masonboro all year long, not just on one day of the year.”

“We man a presence on Masonboro island during the 4th of July party event to make sure there is no trash left,” says Masonboro.org co-founder Jack Kilbourne. “We give out trash bags and let everyone know how important it is to keep the island clean.”

Anywhere between 25 to 75 volunteers have chipped in over the previous decade and a half. Kilbourne adds they’ve picked up literal tons of trash over that time.

They add the message has been getting out, thanks to the Sheriff’s Office. Previous years have been tamer than the beginning years.

“The party (has been) much more under control and people are really doing a much better job. People are behaving themselves more.”

They still have openings for volunteers.