Volunteers from church groups, schools, not-for-profit organizations, the police department, and community members joined forces to clean up tons of trash in Waukegan, Illinois, over the weekend.
The event, organized by Marty Wozniak, started with a focus on the Amstutz Expressway 11 years ago. This year, it expanded into a citywide cleanup timed around Earth Day, which was celebrated on Monday.
“It’s cool to see people come together and grow this more and more each year,” Wozniak said. “Hopefully they will do it throughout the year, not just around Earth Day. If they do, maybe less people will throw the garbage on the highway.”
On Saturday morning, volunteers gathered trash of all sorts from streets, beaches, the harbor, downtown, and their neighborhoods. Patricia Hogan, a Wozniak neighbor, said it was the right thing to do.
“When Marty said we were going to clean up the Amstutz, I just had to show up,” Hogan said. “It helps make the city look better.”
Mayor Ann Taylor praised the growth of Earth Week, which will continue with events and activities through next Saturday and beyond. Christian Neighbors Church played a significant role in organizing volunteers.
“I was blown away by how many people were out there today,” Taylor said Saturday. “It’s great to see so many people working together to make our community better.”
Other groups involved included Journey Church, Most Blessed Trinity Parish, the Waukegan High School Environmental Club, and the city Lakefront Coordinator. Many used grabbers to pluck small items of trash from the sand.
“We’re helping to make an impact on the beach with this cleanup,” said Julie Ivic, American Place’s director of communications. “This is something we’re committed to do in Waukegan, Lake County, and the surrounding area.”
In addition to the cleanup, Dumpsters will be placed at strategic locations in each ward on designated days for people to dispose of unwanted trash. A new two-week yard waste pickup is also being offered starting Monday.
