South Abington Twp. officials encourage residents and merchants to do their part to spruce up the town this spring.

As part of a new initiative, “Spiffy for 250,” officials are inviting groups of neighbors, scout, church and civic groups, and business operators this spring to pick up litter and beautify the township.

The name derives from America250, the nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Organizers say clean bottles and cans picked up during the cleanup can be recycled in household recycling containers. All other material collected should be securely bagged and placed out for collection with household waste. They also ask residents to report to the township how many bags of waste and how much recyclable material they collect.

They further recommend that whenever possible, waste and recycling not be placed out for collection until early on the morning of collection day. J.P. Mascaro, the township’s waste and recycling collector, says recyclables may be placed in clear plastic bags to prevent litter.

There are safety vests, work gloves and trash bags available at the Municipal Building, courtesy of the state Department of Transportation and Pick Up PA, the statewide cleanup event organized by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Township Supervisor John Hambrose proposed the initiative to his fellow supervisors at their March meeting and they offered their support. The supervisors also heard from a resident about litter problems in his neighborhood.

Hambrose said while he’s sure there are residents who clean their neighborhood each spring, he hopes it encourages more people to do so.

“Spiffy for 250” has no start or end date. Hambrose said it was inspired by the need to pick up litter and make the township look better ahead of the 250th anniversary.

“This is just something many communities do, something I’ve been involved in in the past in different communities and something that’s just sorely needed in the township,” he said.

Hambrose said the idea is for residents to get out on a nice day and pick up litter. It is also a good way to show community pride.

“The appearance of our community, it tells our visitors about us and it also has a lot to do with the value of our property. When the neighborhood is messy, that is detrimental to property values, curb appeal, and on top of all that … litter is bad for the environment,” he said. “Our township has got plenty of creeks. Everybody lives near a creek, and the things that blow away and don’t get picked up, they get into the creek, they get washed downstream, they can have an impact on aquatic life, on wildlife, and it’s just altogether not what we want people to think about our community.”

Those interested in organizing a cleanup can register it with the township office by calling 570-586-2111, ext. 1.

Supervisor Chairman Mark Dougherty said the initiative is an opportunity for people to clean up and provides a service to the community.

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “It’s a good all-around thing.”