Assemblyman William Colton has partnered with Councilman Mark Treyger, as well as community leaders Nancy Tong and Charles Ragusa to host a neighborhood clean-up event around Bensonhurst and 86th Street. This event was the second of the year as a part of the “Speak-Up & Clean-Up” campaign to help better our community.

The group of volunteers each set off on a different route set up by Kenny Zheng, who contacted the students and volunteers through email, phone, and social media. The streets that were cleaned included 86th Street between 14 Avenue and 26 Avenue, Bay Parkway between 82nd Street and Shore Parkway, Bath Avenue between 18 Avenue and 24 Avenue, and 18th Avenue between 84th Street and Cropsey Avenue. Volunteers also passed out fliers in multiple languages and spoke to residents and local businesses about sanitation rules and guidelines encouraging the community to “do their part” in keeping the neighborhood clean.

Assemblyman Colton was elated at the turnout of over 180 local volunteers because he recognizes that it is a group effort to make our community better. “The purpose behind events organized by our ‘Speak-Up and Clean-Up’ campaign is to inform people about proper trash disposal and to keep our neighborhood clean. The amount of volunteers once again demonstrated how the neighborhood can come together. Our volunteers explained to people passing by, as well as local business owners, to do their part because we’re encouraging everyone to take part in our efforts to keep the neighborhood clean.”

Councilman Mark Treyger, who has played an integral role in emphasizing the importance of a community effort said, “Every New Yorker deserves safe, clean streets, which are a sign of a thriving, caring and welcoming community. It has been great to see so many teens and community members get involved and give back and it has had a tremendous impact on our neighborhood. We must continue with the same determination that has gotten us this far to make sure our neighborhoods can remain clean.”

The list of volunteers included students from Stuyvesant High School’s Red Cross Club and Key Club, students from Midwood High School’s Key Club, students from Brooklyn Technical High School’s Red Cross Club and Key Club, students from Edward R. Murrow’s Key Club, Midwood High School’s Key Club, Coney Island Prep, UCA volunteers and many more.

The Department of Sanitation supplied tools, gloves, and trash bags to assist with the clean-up effort. All volunteers received community service hours and enjoyed free refreshments in appreciation of their work.