TORONTO — The volunteer members of the Toronto Beautification Committee take pride in making the Gem City look nice.

They work at various times of the year to plant flowers and groom shrubs at various sites throughout the city including the north and south entrances, the gazebo area and Liberty square as well as several other areas. They plan to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday by following a red, white, and blue theme this year, and part of the pride is expressed through the display of numerous American flags throughout the city.

Exposed to the elements daily, the flags must be replaced about every other year, and the group is seeking donations to help them do that, according to Mary Beth Robertson, who coordinates the group’s flag fund.

“People are very receptive to this. They take pride in how our town looks,” said Robertson, who noted donations have even come from former residents who are visiting family or friends or attending one of the city’s summer events.

Robertson stated that those who donate will be acknowledged through a display at the Toronto Municipal Building and on the group’s Facebook page. She expressed thanks to the city crews who remove the damaged flags and replace them with new ones.

Donations of $20 are requested and can be made payable to the TBC (Toronto Beautification Committee) and sent to Robertson at 905 N. Third Street, Toronto, Ohio 43964.

While U.S. flags have long been found in Toronto, which is home to what’s believed to be the nation’s first World War 1 monument, a massive effort to display them was launched by late mayor Bob Wilson following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.