St. James CARES, formerly known as St. James P.R.I.D.E., is a civic organization started back in 1997 when several St. James residents responded to a call for help with a statewide program called N.C. Litter Sweep. Litter sweep means picking-up unsightly roadside litter. We are still active in that annual springtime cleanup event. Those early volunteers worked alongside community leaders and volunteers from Southport and Oak Island. Most everyone agrees that keeping your home area clean is important, especially since we live in a tourist area. Clean communities also enjoy higher property values.  

The organization became officially known as St. James P.R.I.D.E. when Steve Cherry was completing a registration form to join the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway Program. In 2019, the name was changed to St. James CARES - Community Action for Recycling and Environmental Services.