In an attempt to raise awareness and bring a greater sense of pride to the city of Binghamton, the Center City Neighborhood Assembly will host a cleanup of the Downtown area.
The cleanup is scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will begin on Susquehanna Street and will continue on from there based on the amount of volunteers that attend. After the cleanup, free food and refreshments will be available for all who contributed.
Center City Community Arts organizer Leanne Mercadante explained that the organization decided to host a cleanup of Downtown Binghamton in recognition of Make a Difference Day.
“Oct. 25 is national Make a Difference Day and we feel that a cleanup of the Downtown area is the best way for us to give back to the community,” she said. “After hearing of last year’s successful Downtown cleanup, we decided to have our own, starting on Susquehanna Street.”
The group picked Susquehanna Street as the beginning point because members thought it was the neighborhood that needed the most attention.
Raising awareness among the residents of Binghamton on the condition of their city is of great importance, Mercadante explained.
“It’s imperative that residents have a say in their community and take pride in it,” she said. “We must show them that they aren’t alone.”
Mercadante is also hoping that Binghamton University students will volunteer and help in the Neighborhood Assembly’s effort.
“We’ve sent information to Off Campus College and are waiting for any students or school organizations to step forward,” she said. “We welcome any who wish to help in our effort.”
Since a great majority of Binghamton students live off campus, a cleanup of the Downtown area could greatly benefit them and increase the quality of living conditions, Mercadante said. Still, she stressed the importance of taking action.
“Nothing will change unless you try to do something,” she said.
Tracy Verrier, also a community arts organizer for Center City, expressed the organization’s desire for student involvement.
“We would love to have more students involved and carrying out this cleanup is a good first step,” she said.
A feeling of unity will be the greatest result of the cleanup, Verrier added.
“The cleanup will garner a sense of community by everyone taking a stand and acknowledging that something shady is going on,” she said. “Everyone will benefit from not seeing trash on their streets.”
Many local businesses and organizations have also donated contributions to help Center City’s efforts.
“We have received food and beverage donations from Pepsi and Nirchi’s Pizza to reward those helping in the cleanup,” Verrier said. “Some local churches are also bringing members of their congregation to volunteer.”
All who are interested in helping and making a difference are encouraged to attend.
For additional information on this event, call (607) 724-2489 or visit binghamtonneighbors.org.