A Simple Idea That Made a Difference
On Wednesday, March 25th, community members gathered at the corner of Newman and Madison to take part in a cleanup focused on picking up trash, meeting neighbors, and giving back. The event was organized by Keep Lakewood Beautiful through its “Pop Up, Pick Up” initiative, which, at first glance, may seem simple, but for many participants, it had a larger impact.
Getting Started
Volunteers met in the evening and were given supplies such as buckets and gloves to collect trash. The process was straightforward, making it accessible to anyone interested in participating.
Volunteer Carmelo Orban shared her advice on the cleanup: “Don’t be afraid to get dirty and crawl around.”
There was a brief overview before volunteers got to work, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Breaking Into Groups
As the cleanup began, participants spread out from the corner of Madison Avenue and Newman Avenue. Some worked in groups, while others teamed up in pairs as they moved through different parts of the neighborhood.
Volunteers walked along Madison Avenue carrying buckets, collecting trash as they went. Working together helped make the task feel more engaging.
What People Experienced
Participants moved up and down the streets collecting items ranging from bottles to paper. While some may not expect much litter, volunteers said they found more than anticipated.
Board member Tony Bruzas said, “People do appreciate what we do. They’ll come out and thank us. One time, it was the Elmwood bakery. They were so happy that we were out putting in trash on their block that they gave us a gift card for some baked goods.”
The event also provided a social experience, giving volunteers a chance to talk and connect while working.
Helping the Community
Many volunteers said they joined the cleanup to give back. Participants came from across Lakewood with the shared goal of improving their community.
“Picking up means less garbage on the street,” said Steve Chapman, a volunteer who learned about the event on social media. “It also brings the community together.”
The cleanup is also part of ongoing efforts to keep Lakewood clean and encourage community involvement. Events like this are held regularly throughout the year.
These efforts help make volunteering something people enjoy, rather than something they feel required to do.
Future Events
Organizers plan to continue hosting similar events to encourage more community involvement. Information about future cleanups and related initiatives can be found through Keep Lakewood Beautiful’s social media pages.
