Local 9-year-old Cash Daniels from Chattanooga has been recognized as one of the TruStage Community Spark Award winners, a nationwide competition to honor 20 children who are dedicated to giving back to their community. In recognition of Cash's efforts, TruStage, CUNA Mutual Group's consumer insurance agency, donated $1,000 to environmental charity 1 Piece Each.
A passion for marine animals and fish is what prompted Cash to study the effects of pollution in our rivers and oceans. Motivated by what he learned, he now hosts monthly river cleanups and educates others on sustainability, pollution and single-use plastics. Cash is also the youngest in the state of Tennessee to be involved in the "Adopt a River Mile" program.
In his spare time, he writes letters to local and chain restaurants to encourage them to reduce their plastic waste in general.
Julie Nuernberg