Local fifth grader works hard over spring break to turn trash into cash

ARTIE, WV (WVNS) — Chandler “CJ” Taylor spent his Spring Break working hard instead of relaxing.

Taylor and his family combed Spruce Mountain for as much trash as they could get to in order to raise money for his fifth-grade trip; an overnight trip to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood!

Taylor said it was a pretty easy Spring Break.

“I picked up trash. It was pretty easy. Some days it was cold, some days it was warm. So, we got it pretty done,” said Taylor.

Taylor said the wind made some days a bit more difficult, but he still felt like it went by quickly.

He said people would stop and give him donations as he was working as well.

That’s in addition to the people who pledged different amounts of money per pound of trash and per mile of road cleaned.

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Lesle Wickline, guidance counselor for Clear Fork Elementary, was blown away by Taylor’s efforts.

“The fact that CJ did this on his Spring Break, and then when the weather was really nasty. That’s when all the gusty winds and the tornadoes were happening everywhere and the fact that he went out there to pick up trash. You know, that shows a lot of hard work and initiative on his part and I’m very proud of him and as a school we’re very proud of him,” said Wickline.

All told, Taylor picked up more than 1700 pounds of trash all along Route 1 over Spruce Mountain.

His donations are still coming in, but he’s reached more than $1500 so far.

This is more than enough to pay for his field trip and when asked what he would do with the rest of the money, he had a great response.

“Take my friends out to eat. At Pizza Hut!” said Taylor.

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