The E.L.K. Initiative
The E.L.K. Initiative is dedicated to taking action to make our community cleaner and stronger. We invite you to join us in creating a measurable difference. Our name, ELK, stands for Eliminate Litter in Kannapolis. The city of Kannapolis is uniquely positioned as the only city that spans both Cabarrus and Rowan counties, and ELK proudly serves both communities. We focus on litter collection, proper disposal, and community education aimed at prevention and long-term improvement. Our goal is to expand our efforts to include broader community enhancement projects that promote cleanliness, pride, and sustainability. You can get involved by participating in our spring and fall clean-up events, where volunteers come together to pick up litter in areas of need. Together, we can take the initiative - one cleanup at a time - to make Kannapolis and its surrounding counties a cleaner, better place to live.
2026 Fall Schedule
Saturday September 19th
Saturday October 31st
Saturday November 21st
Saturday December 5th
- Location and Times TBD -
Please note: All volunteers must sign a waiver. Volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who must sign waiver for the minor. If you are not able to sign a waiver beforehand, we have blank waivers at every event.
Come Prepared
When you volunteer with ELK you are volunteering two hours of your time. ELK, through partnerships with the City of Kannapolis and NCDOT, will provide you with a safety vest, a pair of gloves, bags, and litter pick up tool for the event. We will also supply light refreshments (sponsored by Walmart) after each clean up. You can prepare by coming hydrated, wearing appropriate clothes, and sunscreen and/or protective hat. Please keep in mind you will be walking in the grass, so old tennis shoes with high socks or boots are recommended. Some volunteers use insect repellent spray. Please dress in comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty.
Sponsors
Novant Health - Premier Sponsor
We are deeply grateful and humbled by the generous support of Novant Health Community Engagement. Their significant contribution allows us to continue our work throughout Cabarrus and Rowan counties while also helping us provide scholarships to high school students who faithfully volunteer alongside us.
Kannapolis Walmart - Community Partner
We are incredibly thankful to the Kannapolis Walmart for its continued partnership. Walmart provides refreshments for our volunteers following cleanup events. Their ongoing support plays an important role in making each ELK event a positive experience for our volunteers.
Local Businesses and Leaders
Dr. Matt Rivera of Kannapolis Family Dentistry is also a sponsor and local leaders such as Mayor Doug Wilson, Dianne Berry, and Naomi Hatchell have each extended their support for our mission.
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Need
Transit Van
ELK is in need of a reliable used transit van to store and transport supplies to our community clean up events.
If you're able to help or know someone who may have a van for sale, please let us know!
Remember, ELK is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
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Cabarrus & Rowan Neighbors
Here at E.L.K. Initiative, we are driven by a single goal; to do our part to care for this area we call home. We strive to keep property values high and taxes low, leave a legacy for future generations, and maintain an environment that refreshes the soul. You can pick up litter on your own near you, or you can join us.
If you would like to combat litter on your own you can start with a small investment into a safety vest, gloves, and a litter pick up tool. It is best to have a partner or small group. Choose your area of clean up wisely. Be mindful of traffic and weather conditions.
Do not overdo it. Safety first.
You can email us at Elkinfo@elk21.com for more info.
Our Projects
The Focus of Our Efforts
West 8th St
We adopted West 8th street through the Kannapolis adopt-a-street program and clean it quarterly.
Education & Outreach
We plan volunteer group litter pick up events in the months of March through June and September through December. Our first priority is to maintain our adopted street, but we also visit and clean problem streets. In addition, we work to educate regarding the city of Kannapolis' adopt-a-street program and the NCDOT's adopt-a-highway program and litter sweep campaigns. Our hope is to have every street and highway in Kannapolis adopted, so that we can shift gears to focus on prevention.
P.A.L.
Partner Against Litter
Your business, church, or school can host an event by announcing the volunteer opportunity to members, employees, clients and students. ELK volunteers will partner in picking up litter near your business, church, or school with your group, arrange for supplies to be provided, and schedule collected litter to be removed. Volunteers can meet in your parking lot to receive supplies for the day.
Your neighborhood or street can also be a P.A.L. With your neighbor's involvement ELK will partner as described above. Please keep in mind that a central meeting place is needed to receive supplies and for volunteers to park.
Ways You Can Help
Programs Available
Kannapolis Adopt-a-Street Program
The City of Kannapolis
If you are interested in adopting-a-street please contact the city of Kannapolis at 704-920-4444.
NCDOT Litter Sweep
Nicole Austin
The NCDOT has both a spring and fall litter sweep. Nicole is the state's point of contact. If you are interested in participating in a litter sweep, please contact Nicole at 704-983-4360 or nlaustin@ncdot.gov
Schedule Events
Non-physical volunteer opportunity
ELK is always looking for schools, churches, businesses, or communities to host events. If you would like to get involved but are not interested in actual litter pick-up, you can help ELK find hosts for our events.
