EVANSVILLE CHILDREN LEARN LITTER LESSONS FROM EVERYONE'S BEST FRIEND, EVIE
A creative new anti-littering campaign, Retrieving With EVIE, has put a furry
face on litter prevention in Evansville, Ind.
Susan Harp, a long-time volunteer and local kindergarten teacher, recently wrote a full-color children's book “Retrieving With EVIE.” The book, illustrated by local artists Jon Siau, stars a yellow Labrador Retriever who loves to retrieve litter. Harp, took the campaign a step further and adopted a real-live EVIE.
EVIE the dog has spread the message that "Every Volunteer Is Essential" in keeping Evansville beautiful, to nearly 2,500 students. As part of Keep Evansville Beautiful's annual Education Kickoff, 281 of the books were distributed to 46 schools.
Harp also developed an anti-litter curriculum, geared towards students in kindergarten through second grade, to supplement the book. These supplemental materials include a Seven Sources of Litter pamphlet, a CD and many other materials that meet the state’s education standards.
Corporate sponsor Fifth Third Bank of Evansville, made the publication of 500 copies of “Retrieving With EVIE” possible. More than 5 million motorists viewed the bright orange EVIE billboards, which were also made possible by private sponsors. A local public television station created a DVD, including the popular EVIE song.
EVIE the dog has gained incredible popularity among Evansville children, and has made appearances at many events including Great American Cleanup events and the Ohio River Sweep. This campaign has encouraged children to pick up litter, and will reach future generations of students by incorporating EVIE into the school curriculum. |
