LaGRANGE — A local community service sorority will host an exercise program this weekend to encourage people to recycle.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Theta Xi Omega chapter, will host the inaugural AKAathon on Saturday, April 16, to “encourage recycling and improve the well-being of the community,” the group stated in a press release. The event will be held at William Griggs Recreation Center, 716 Glenn Robertson Drive, at noon and five recyclable items of any type are required for entry. The group will sort the items and take them to a local facility for recycling.

“We participated in the Keep Troup Beautiful campaign (Great American Cleanup) and are continuing that with encouraging people to recycle,” said Stacey Simmons, who is overseeing the environmental ownership initiative for the local chapter.

Participants will be able to take part in an hourlong Zumba-like exercise class hosted by instructor Kimberly Little.

The event is part of the national Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority initiative for programs aimed at providing healthy environments and improving the quality of life in under-served communities.

“Through its Acts of Green Program, members will promote environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling, litter prevention and waste management through daily green efforts in local communities,” states the group’s website.