Volunteers also see first hand how trash finds its way to the river and the importance of not littering. High school students can't believe people put that much trash into the river. The TN River Rescue has grown enormously since it first began, not only in teaching kids not to litter, but also in making the river a better, cleaner place. More than 600 volunteers showed up last year to help pick up trash. Companies and individuals are donating services, time and money with pride.
Kids leave with a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of the effects of littering.
Reflecting on the cleanup, Bock says, 'I don't see the Tennessee River Rescue as 600 people cleaning up after other people. I see this event as a way of bringing people down to the beautiful river, physically participating in improving the habitat for animals and leaving with a feeling that they have helped.