Thousands of volunteers from local environmental groups, students, scouts, dive clubs, civic organizations, corporations, government agencies and the general public are needed for the annual New York State Beach Cleanup on September 20 at over 274 beaches statewide.

The American Littoral Society, 28 W. 9th Rd., Broad Channel, 718-318-9344 needs help to compile data and devise strategies to combat pollution, increase public participation in solving pollution problems and raise public appreciation of the coastal environment.

In 2002, 10,000 New Yorkers came together and removed and documented some 280,000 pounds of debris from their respective environments.

County sites for Beach Cleanup 2003 are Bayside, Bayswater, Broad Channel, Douglaston, Far Rockaway, Gateway National Recreation Area, Long Island City and Rockaway. Bring work gloves, sun hat and sun screen.

Call the Beach Cleanup Hotline at 800-449-0790, or the beach cleanup coordinator at 718-471-2166 or for the most up-to-date listings or go to www.alsnyc.org.