Purple power | News, Sports, Jobs

Buildings will not be coated in purple paint during the June 5-9 event. But some sections of town will be a lot cleaner and more inviting after the women are done working over those five days.

“We believe that giving back to a community that has generously given to us through the years not only teaches our women how to give back but also sends our message of appreciation to Fort Dodge and all of our supporters,” the organization said in announcing the upcoming effort.

Gateway to Discovery is a faith-based residential recovery program for women battling addiction.

The cleanup event got its name because purple is the color of ribbons supporting those in recovery and the Gateway logo is a light shade of purple.

Community members and businesses can support the women with donations of money, material and even time spent helping with the cleanup.

Businesses can sponsor the effort with a $100 donation. Sponsors will get their logo on the back of the event T-shirts. The deadline for sponsorships is May 1.

Anyone can buy one of those T-shirts for $20 by sending a message to the Gateway to Discovery Facebook page. The deadline for shirt orders is May 1.

Gateway to Discovery is also seeking organizations and individuals to pledge at least $50 if the cleanup crews fill five 30-gallon trash bags at the end of each day.

Donations of items that will be needed during the cleanup are being accepted. Such items include trash bags, high visibility safety vests, work gloves and bottled water.

Anyone who wants to help the women with the project should contact Gateway to Discovery via its Facebook page.