As the dust rose from the brooms, the most popular phrase of the day rang out: “All hands on deck!”
Binghamton University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) hosted a clean up on Saturday to better the environmental and physical development of the city of Binghamton.
“This experience was a moment for Binghamton University as a whole to bond with a major part of its community, the city of Binghamton,” Jess Maslin, a junior chemistry major, said.
On this bright Saturday afternoon, Maslin was part of a group of three that gathered in front of Old World Delicatessen on Court Street and busily but carefully gathered the garbage that littered the city.
Volunteers began by sweeping and picking up garbage from the Metrocenter Mall on Court Street. They also spread to other parts of Downtown such as State and Washington Streets.
They donated compact light bulbs to local businesses in an agreement that the businesses would sweep in front of their shops at least 15 minutes a day. This was to ensure the continuity of their clean-up initiative, according to Craig Broccoli, vice president of SIFE.
The 40 volunteers included members of the XCEL Center, Campus Recreation, club soccer, water polo, CARP, Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and resident assistants.
Obazine Wheeler, the student director of staff development of the XCEL Center, said taking part in community service activities is imperative for a rich college experience.
The success of the event wasn’t attributed only to students: the city of Binghamton also performed an active and important role.
“It is exciting to be a part of this event. It is important for the city to be clean,” said Matt Zeitz, a BU alumnus.
According to Broccoli, the city was very appreciative of the event and provided both manpower and a supply of necessary materials.