LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish affiliate to Keep Louisiana Beautiful recently received a $7,000 grant that will help further beautification and litter abatement efforts throughout the parish.

Keep St. John Beautiful is one of only 22 agencies statewide to receive a community grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful, said member Greg “Za” Maurin. He said the group will use the funds to purchase tools and equipment for various special litter enforcement details conducted annually. Maurin said the group will also use funds on additional public education regarding litter prevention.

“This committee prides itself on bringing key people to the table and keeping beautification issues in the forefront of parish affairs, said Keep St. John Beautiful Chairman Tom Daley.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful is a volunteer-based service organization dedicated to a healthy and litter-free Louisiana. Through a network of local affiliates and communities, the organization promotes a mission to educate Louisiana residents on the ecological and economic effects of littering.

The group also provides local affiliates with funds to undertake and accomplish localized projects aimed at neighborhood and community improvement. For more information, visit www. keeplouisianabeautiful.org. Interested St. John Parish residents may also contact Maurin at 985-618-1425.