DAYTON, Ohio(WDTN) – Thousands of volunteers spread out across Dayton to clean up long-forgotten, littered lots. More than 30 tons of trash was collected by the end of the day.
“It’s our trash and we should have the responsibility of picking up our own trash,” Leslie Sheward, President of the Twin Towers Neighborhood Association said.
Sheward was happy to have the help of volunteers and Montgomery County Jail inmates from the work-release program.
Sheward said keeping people accountable for their troubled properties can be tough. It’s especially true when lot owners are nowhere to be found. It’s why she said events like Saturday’s are much needed.
“Once it cleans up, it stays cleaned up. That hasnt happened in the last few years very often,” said Matt Joseph, a Dayton city commissioner.
Commissioner Joseph was worked alongside volunteers. For him, this cleanup encourages communtiy pride.
“This city is everybodys city and it proves it today. We want to make it better. It’s on everybody’s shoulders,” Jospeh said.
Sheward said the city’s record breaking 30 tons of trash collected sends a message.
“Much more can be done if neighbors work together,” Sheward said.
The city worked to pick up collected trash through Saturday night but they likely won’t finish until Monday.
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