by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Until they were forced to suspend their efforts due to insurance issues, Downtown Vision, Inc.’s Downtown Ambassadors collected and removed a lot of trash from the streets of Downtown each year. It was one of their most important and visible contributions toward improving the Downtown experience.
When the Ambassadors were no longer able to take on the challenge, DVI came up with a solution that combined the task with creating a stronger sense of neighborhood cooperation, said Operations Manager Walter Thomas.
In addition to subcontracting some of the work to Catholic Charities’ lawn service operation, DVI has partnered with volunteer groups from Downtown churches.
The new program started with the First United Methodist Church and this week, a group from the First Baptist Church Youth ministry pitched in to clean up a vacant lot at the corner of Clay and Beaver streets.
The Downtown Ambassadors identify areas that need to be cleaned as they make their rounds and determine which area would be best for each group. Then they accompany the volunteers to the site to provide security and supervision.
Thomas said groups usually work for an hour or less and, “They tell me it’s a great way to have fellowship and make new friends.”
He added he has been impressed with how thorough the volunteers have been.
“We tell them they only have to pick up the bigger pieces of trash, but they have cleaned up everything including chewing gum wrappers and cigarette butts.”
After a short training class on safety and hazardous waste, DVI provides trash bags, plastic gloves, “litter-getters,” and supplies for hand-washing. The Ambassadors weigh the bags of trash when the job is complete and dispose of it properly.
Thomas said any and all groups are welcome to join the effort. He compared the program to the county-wide “Adopt-a-Block” program, so businesses have an opportunity to help make a difference as well.
“We hope other groups want to get involved. Let’s all work together to keep our neighborhood clean,” he said.