Leaders seek help cleaning up ‘Cuse
Syracuse leaders are hoping to get neighbors out in the streets in force for a little spring cleaning. The projects chosen for this year's "Clean Up 'Cuse" campaign were announced Friday. Tamara Lindstrom tells us about this year's efforts.
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- With spring just a few weeks away, the disappearing drifts reveal evidence of our less civilized habits.
"After long winters, we tend to have things that get hidden in the snow and ignored. And spring is a great time to clean up," said Mayor Stephanie Miner.
On Friday, Mayor Stephanie Miner announced plans for this year's Clean Up ‘Cuse project. Ten sites across the city that will be cleaned, gardened and enhanced on April 13th with the help of - hopefully - many hands.
Organizers are hoping to get a thousand people out cleaning up the streets in April. A big effort in a state that ranks last in volunteering.
"New York State ranked 51st out of all 50 states and D.C. in the last census of total volunteer hours performed and service performed. So it was really kind of shocking," said Justin Lynch, United Way Volunteer Coordinator.
State and local leaders are challenging New Yorkers to do more. Lynch says cleaning up the city is a good way to start.
"We'll be doing a lot of trash cleanup and gardening. So it's very outdoorsy and hands on. But it's a great way to get your foot in the door with service. I think volunteering is a lot like dating, you have to try out a couple different projects before you marry it," said Lynch.
Organizers are confident the community can reach the one thousand volunteer mark.
"We have been really overwhelmed with support of this initiative not just this year but in years past. Every year it gets bigger," said Mayor Miner.
Donations from Home Depot, TOPS Markets and SU have been lined up. Now, all organizers need is lots of volunteers and a sunny spring day.
If you'd like to volunteer for the annual clean up day or see the ten project sites selected, visit volunteerCNY.org.