You don’t have to live or work in Allentown to participate in the West Side Trash Mob’s upcoming litter cleanup. The last Sunday of each month, volunteers gather together to clean up city streets – always choosing West Side neighborhoods that could use some help. The initiative was started by community leaders who realized the need to “promote neighborhood beautification, public education, and a sense of community.”
Along with dedicated volunteers who come to the rescue, the Trash Mob is also supported by Assemblymember Sean Ryan, Councilmember Joseph Golombek, various block clubs, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Peacemakers, BreadHive Bakery & Cafe, Gypsy Parlor, and Buffalo Maritime Center. These businesses and community organizations not only host the cleanups, they also take turns setting up socially distant afterparties features guest speakers, education stations, and prizes.
It’s these types of grassroots efforts that can help to change the face of neighborhoods.
“I became involved with West Side Trash Mob after meeting Katherine Pessecow (Mob founder) on a few occasions through a mutual friend,” said Jamie Schechter. “Each time we met, we spoke about how disappointed we were by all the trash around our beautiful city. Typical clean-ups had been cancelled due to COVID and the city made minimal attempts to respond to my 311 requests for clean-up. She later asked me to join Trash Mob.
“I believe that people should join in and help out because West Side Trash Mob is a community-building neighborhood beautification experience, not just a trash clean-up. We hope to grow and work with the city to realize the idea that the health of our planet is directly related to the health of our community and the people who live in it.”
Typically, problematic neighborhoods start with litter and tagging, which leads to disinvestment from residents and business owners. It’s important to address this “low hanging fruit” as soon as possible, before the problem escalates.
These cleanups are also great way to get to know neighbors, business owners, and others who simply want to pitch in.
Sponsored by the Westside Trash Mob, The Allentown Association, Inc., Community Canvases, Westside Business and Taxpayers Association
Sunday, September 27, 2020
- 9:30 AM Welcome & Introductions
- 10:00 AM Trash Cleanup & Data Collection
- 12:00 PM Afterparty, Education Station & Prizes
Meet up at the side lot near the corner of Allen and Wadsworth Streets. The check-in table will be visible from the street.
Get connected: West Side Trash Mob on Facebook
Photos courtesy West Side Trash Mob