Last Saturday morning, the Jade District saw a surge of community spirit with volunteers joining forces for a street clean-up event. Organized by APANO and SOLVE, the effort aimed to spruce up the area ahead of Earth Day and the 82nd Avenue Parade of Roses. Safe Blocks Program staff were in attendance to aid the initiative between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on April 19. An estimated 25 people dedicated their time to collecting over 400 gallons of waste, including an odd tire, and the streets witnessed a transformation from littered pathways to corridors of care.
"It was a beautiful morning to clean," said a volunteer, adorned with gloves and a sense of purpose. Together, the group tirelessly worked the bounds of SE Division from 79th to 90th, and along 82nd from Mill to Powell, to abruptly remove scattered refuse that marred the neighborhood's visage. Their efforts were met with honks of encouragement from motorists passing by, a symphony of support for the environmental cause. Over 20 heavy-duty bags filled to the brim were proof of their labor, as the event's official page recounted the morning’s achievements.
BMO Bank, located across the street, became an ally in the cause by generously providing space in their parking lot for essentials like a refreshment station. Meanwhile, Safe Blocks underwrote a volunteer appreciation lunch courtesy of CeCe's Gyros, fostering fellowship and gratitude among those gathered. Actions such as these emphasize the unity of locals, from diverse walks of life, rallying together under the shared banner of environmental stewardship and civic pride.
The clean-up served not only as a beautification exercise but also as a platform for community learning and growth. Safe Blocks staff took this opportunity to significantly deepen the volunteers' understanding of the organization’s services, the upcoming changes to the 82nd Avenue corridor, and their implications on safety. "Staff and volunteers explored realistic ways in which community members can both get and stay actively involved in crime reduction and increasing safety in their neighborhoods," the event organizers highlighted.
