People living and driving by an abandoned grocery store are disgusted after someone dumped trash illegally on the property.
It wasn’t hidden anywhere, instead placed right next to a busy road.
Sharon LaGow was driving to a nearby Burger King when she noticed the pile of trash at the abandoned Kmart grocery store located at 3001 E. Michigan Ave in Jackson.
“This can't happen to our community and somebody has got to step up,” said LaGow. “Shame on them because there are dumps and help out there for people.”
“If you've got to have something taken care of, don't just drop it off by the road by the highway,” said Lagow. “There is help out there.”
After calling the city of Jackson, different townships, even the road commission, LaGow says she got nowhere until she turned to social media for help.
“I got a small trailer,” said LaGow. “If I had to make four or five loads, we'll get it done.”
Lagow would not need that trailer, the response was overwhelming.
“Modern Waste System was here and I was so excited,” said LaGow. “It's happening you know, and it makes you feel good cleaning up someone else’s trash.”
Modern Waste System of Napoleon donated two guys and many employees to clean up the mess in less than 10 minutes.
“It'd be nice to see everyone come together to clean the city up and take care of the city,” said Willie Blevins from Modern Waste System. “I see the city is putting a lot of money into trying to make it look nice and I think that the people need to see that and step up to take a little bit better care.”
Blevins says illegal trash dumping is becoming fairly common in the community.
After spending part of the day cleaning up, these volunteers hope they’ve started an initiative.
“I want our community to look nice and I want people in to be proud of Jackson,” said LaGow. “When you see this kind of stuff, they're going to turn around and say I don't want to live in Jackson.”
There is a new clothing donation bin at the Kmart location and LaGow is concerned it's going to encourage people to keep dumping trash.
LaGow says the organization that put it there hung up on her when she called to try to get it removed.
