This Man Is The Reason 7 Million Pounds Of Trash Have Been Removed From America's Rivers
November 21, 2013
67,000 tires, 951 refrigerators, 233 stoves and counting.
With help from over 70,000 volunteers, Chad Pregracke and his crew have removed 7 million pounds of garbage from various American rivers.
Pregracke grew up by the Mississippi River, where 18 million people get their daily drinking water.
"I said if no one's going to do anything about it, I will."
Photo: Commercial Appeal, Brandon Dill
"People want to see change, and they're stepping up to make change."
Obviously cleaning up piles of trash, piece by piece, is not what most people would consider fun. To keep volunteers excited, Pregracke provides entertainment...
"This is a problem that people created...but a problem that people can fix." ~Chad Pregracke
Chad Pregracke was chosen as "Hero of the Year" through a five-week public vote on CNN.com. He was awarded $250,000 for his efforts, but his passion for 'doing good' didn't stop there. He is giving $10,000 to each of the 9 finalists that did not win.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Zoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning
She Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'
Soaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue
The Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness
Hummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos
Parents Secretly Build Disney-Themed Backyard While Kids Sleep
Golden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos
Man Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It
Emu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs
Kid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough
Only 2 Students Show Up For Class Hike, But Their Professor Makes It A Day They'll Never Forget