Gert Town showed the power of community and collaboration this past Saturday as the Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office hosted the first Neighborhood Cares Initiative Community Day of 2025. According to the City of New Orleans Neighborhood Engagement Office, the event saw more than 75 volunteers roll up their sleeves to revitalize the neighborhood. Efforts included cleaning up parks, collecting over 50 trash bags, and tackling the often overlooked task of clearing 20 catch basins.
Beyond the beautification efforts, city departments were busy cutting down on urban blight by cutting over 17 overgrown lots open, filling an impressive 98 potholes, removing 15 abandoned vehicles, and clearing away illegal dumping sites. The work, carried out by committed volunteers, was instrumental in not just improving the physical space, but in reinforcing a sense of community pride and responsibility.
The initiative wasn't all about hard labor, though. Adults and children alike enjoyed free food, snowballs, and the added entertainment of a game truck and music, turning the neighborhood workday into a full-fledged community celebration. Health and nourishment were also on the agenda as Walgreens gave out free flu vaccinations and Giving Hope NOLA distributed 100 bags of groceries at no cost.
It was a day where multiple city agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses came together, engaging residents and sharing valuable resources at the community resource fair. Joining forces with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and District B Councilmember Lesli Harris were many partners, including Xavier University, Nice Guys Nola, and Domino's Pizza, among others. Each, in their unique way, contributed to the day's success, with Lamar Advertising, Walgreens, and Starbucks providing necessary support. As the city's announcement detailed, "The City of New Orleans Neighborhood Engagement Office was proud to partner with Mayor LaToya Cantrell, District B Councilmember Lesli Harris, Xavier University, Nice Guys Nola, Domino's Pizza, Giving Hope NOLA, Lamar Advertising, Walgreens and Starbucks. We want to thank all volunteers, sponsors, partners, and the New Orleans Police Department for their support and dedication in making this event a success!" a long list of contributors, acknowledging the collective efforts of everyone involved.
