The Henderson Rotary Club in Texas marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 40 years of participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program. This initiative, which began in Tyler, Texas, has seen the club consistently maintain their stretch of US 259 since 1985. The club was the first entity to adopt a highway under this program.

Stacey Johnson, vice president of the Henderson Rotary Club, said, "Rotary is a service-based civic group, and our motto is ‘Service Above Self’. It is important to us to make a difference right here at home. To keep Henderson beautiful." Twice annually, volunteers from the club clean up litter along their designated road section. They are often joined by students from local high school Interact Clubs.

Club President Jeri Gaddis expressed enthusiasm for their efforts: "It is so great to get out and help make a difference in our community. We can make an immediate impact right here in Henderson by giving just a few hours each year."

The Adopt-A-Highway program originated when TxDOT’s Tyler District Engineer James "Bobby" Evans observed debris falling from vehicles and sought local groups to sponsor highway cleaning. Since its inception, it has grown into a global volunteer effort.

Over nearly four decades, the Henderson Rotary Club has collected approximately 3,500 bags of trash. Johnson reflected on her experience with the club: "I have made so many wonderful friends through Rotary, and we’ve accomplished so much for Henderson."

Gaddis emphasized the broader impact of their work: "As a club, we've been working to create a more beautiful world for 37 years. It's up to us to build the world we want to live in, and it all starts with our little stretch of 259."

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