York City residents took a powerful step toward a cleaner, greener community on Friday, April 25, 2025, during the 3rd Annual Go Green Clean-Up. Volunteers from across the region gathered to pick up litter, restore public spaces, and promote environmental awareness in the heart of the city. The event, now in its third year, has grown into a meaningful tradition, uniting local organizations, families, and individuals in a shared mission to make York a more vibrant and sustainable place to live.
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Community Leaders and Volunteers Lead the Way
Brie Lindstrom, an organizer from Affordable Housing Advocates, played a central role in coordinating the clean-up. Armed with maps, gloves, and a contagious enthusiasm, Lindstrom guided volunteers to areas most in need of attention. She partnered with local groups like Explore York and Friends & Neighbors, a homeless street outreach organization, ensuring the event reached every corner of the city.
From early morning, volunteers began to gather, donning gloves and safety vests, ready to tackle litter on Broad Street and surrounding neighborhoods. Among them were Steve and Carin Kohlbus of York Township, whose dedication to community service set a strong example for others. Also joining the effort were volunteers like Michelle Dedrick of Jacobus and Rose Crosset of York Township, all contributing their time and energy to remove trash, debris, and abandoned items from public spaces.
Hands-On Efforts Make a Visible Difference
Throughout the day, volunteers worked diligently to pick up litter from streets, sidewalks, and fence lines. Even weathered and dirty items, like a stray stuffed animal found by Lindstrom herself, were carefully collected and disposed of. Volunteers James and Andrea Wolf of East Hempfield Township focused on removing soiled plastic take-out containers, while Mark Paterniti of York City and others tackled general street litter along Broad Street.
The clean-up efforts were not only about aesthetics. Removing trash from public spaces helps prevent environmental hazards, reduces pollution, and promotes the overall health and safety of the community. By physically restoring the streets, volunteers helped foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents, reinforcing the message that a clean city benefits everyone.
Organized Efforts Ensure Maximum Impact
A notable aspect of the Go Green Clean-Up is the careful planning that ensures volunteers’ efforts are effective. Lindstrom and her team provided maps detailing areas most affected by litter and distributed gloves and garbage bags to volunteers. Teams were assigned specific routes to maximize coverage, making the clean-up efficient and organized.
Volunteers collaborated in small groups, supporting each other while filling bags with waste. This teamwork encouraged community bonding, with neighbors, friends, and new acquaintances working side by side for a common goal. The event highlighted the importance of organized volunteer efforts in making a tangible impact on public spaces.
Environmental Awareness and Education
Beyond the physical clean-up, the event served as a platform to raise environmental awareness. Volunteers learned about the importance of reducing litter, recycling properly, and minimizing single-use plastics. By engaging residents directly in hands-on environmental action, the Go Green Clean-Up fosters a culture of responsibility and sustainability that extends beyond the event itself.
The participation of organizations such as Affordable Housing Advocates also emphasized the connection between a clean environment and quality of life. Clean streets, public spaces, and neighborhoods contribute to overall well-being, safety, and community pride, illustrating the broader social benefits of environmental stewardship.
Local Families and Volunteers Make an Impact
One of the most heartening aspects of the event was the participation of families. Parents and children alike worked together, demonstrating that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility across generations. Volunteers of all ages collected litter, recycled materials where possible, and engaged in conversations about sustainability, fostering environmental awareness in younger participants.
The sense of accomplishment was evident on volunteers’ faces as trash bags filled with discarded items. Their combined efforts left a visible mark on York City streets, transforming areas previously littered and neglected into cleaner, safer spaces.
A Tradition of Giving Back
The 3rd Annual Go Green Clean-Up has quickly become a staple in York City’s calendar of community events. What began as a small initiative has grown into a city-wide movement, demonstrating the power of local action. By connecting residents, nonprofits, and volunteers, the event fosters civic engagement, encourages environmentally friendly practices, and strengthens the bonds that tie the community together.
As York City continues to embrace sustainability initiatives, events like the Go Green Clean-Up serve as a reminder that individual actions collectively create meaningful change. Volunteers’ dedication and teamwork inspire others to participate in future events, ensuring that the mission of a cleaner, greener city continues year after year.
Celebrating Volunteer Spirit
The event also offered a chance to recognize the dedication of volunteers who consistently invest their time in community betterment. Volunteers like David Koons of York Township and Rose Scheltema of Springfield Township showcased the power of local commitment, working tirelessly to remove litter along fence lines and streets. Their actions reflect the broader ethos of York City’s residents: that every small effort contributes to the greater good.
Photographs from the event, captured by Dawn J. Sagert of The York Dispatch, vividly illustrate the day’s energy and dedication. From the distribution of gloves to the careful removal of litter, each image tells a story of community engagement, environmental responsibility, and civic pride.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Go Green Clean-Up?
The Go Green Clean-Up is an annual community event where volunteers come together to pick up litter, clean streets, and promote environmental awareness in York City. It encourages civic engagement and sustainability.
When and where was the 3rd Annual Go Green Clean-Up held?
The 3rd Annual Go Green Clean-Up took place on Friday, April 25, 2025, along Broad Street and surrounding neighborhoods in York City.
Who organizes the event?
The event is organized by Affordable Housing Advocates in collaboration with local groups like Explore York and Friends & Neighbors, a homeless street outreach organization.
Who can participate in the Go Green Clean-Up?
Anyone from the community—families, students, local businesses, and organizations—can participate. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join and contribute.
What do volunteers do during the clean-up?
Volunteers pick up litter, collect discarded items like plastic containers or stray toys, sort recyclable materials, and help make streets and public spaces cleaner and safer.
How does the clean-up benefit the community?
The clean-up improves the city’s appearance, reduces pollution, enhances safety, and fosters community pride. It also raises awareness about environmental responsibility and sustainable living.
Do volunteers receive any supplies or instructions?
Yes. Organizers provide gloves, garbage bags, and maps highlighting areas that need attention. Volunteers are grouped strategically to cover as much area as possible efficiently.
Conclusion
The 3rd Annual Go Green Clean-Up in York City showcased the power of community, passion, and collective action. Volunteers from across the region came together to transform streets, remove litter, and promote environmental responsibility, proving that even small efforts can create meaningful change. Through organized teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to a cleaner, greener city, the event strengthened community bonds and inspired residents to take ongoing action for sustainability. As York City continues to embrace such initiatives, the Go Green Clean-Up serves as a shining example of how local communities can unite to protect the environment, enhance public spaces, and build a culture of civic pride for generations to come.