Fundraiser organized to assist Huggins in keeping the county clean

The community is coming together to help Terry Huggins, a local resident who has been spending the past few years picking up trash along the roadside, to support his efforts by way of covering his fuel expenses.

After Huggins went through a medical issue, he was told he would not be able to improve his health. Huggins didn’t listen and began walking with his wife Sue. He noticed trash on the side of the road and began picking it, before long it became more than a habit, but a way of life. 

In 2020, Sheriff Dave Kramer presented the couple with medals and certificates recognizing their effort of picking up trash from an estimated 1,000 miles of roadway in Boundary County. In presenting the award, Kramer said the work not only beautifies the county, but keeps it safer, as he has also recovered buckets of drug paraphernalia. 

Soon, picking up the roadside increased his stamina and Huggins said he was motivated to continue his efforts to get out and walk. 

In appreciation, area resident Leatha Lockhart  organized a GoFundMe campaign to supplement Huggins’ fuel costs as he continues to clean up alongside area roads. 

“I still can’t believe no one did this before and helped with fuel,” Lockhart said. 

Each season Terry and Sue also go through several pairs of boots, as they walk the roadway. Additionally, they sort recyclables from the items they pick up before dropping the trash off to the landfill. 

The fundraiser has reached $4,132 of its $6,000 goal. 

The couple said they are overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every single person that has helped.

“Terry doesn’t ask for help, this experience has been overwhelmingly humbling for him and I both,” Sue Huggins said. “We both love our community, the people, and the beauty of our little county. Thank you to each one of you who have supported him on this journey.”

“Just the daily waves, horn honks and words of encouragement and support make his day,” she said. “Just remember, if he doesn’t wave or acknowledge you when you drive by him, he’s definitely not ignoring you, he’s lost a lot of his hearing. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generous support. We live in such an amazingly beautiful piece of heaven here in Boundary County.”

The campaign can be found GoFundMe under “Fuel Terry's Effort to Keep Boundary County Clean.”