BP Oddo and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon are once again teaming up to encourage small, organized groups who are interested in hosting cleanups in their neighborhoods to do so.
“We continue to combat the war on litter and thank those Staten Islanders who have taken the extra step to clean up their neighborhoods,” said BP Oddo. “We are calling on constituents to help us in this fight, and are grateful to those doing their part to correct this self-inflicted problem.”
According to program coordinator Lisa Thompson, students are encouraged to participate and will receive community service for doing so.
“We welcome students of all ages to join us, and, in fact, last year we had volunteers ranging from 6-21+ from elementary school through to college join us at our various community cleanups. Our offices can sign off on hours if that is what the student needs, and we also provide volunteers with a certificate once the cleanup is completed,” Ms. Thompson told us.
BP Oddo and DA McMahon want to caution groups to hold clean ups only where it is safe to do so, exercise safety at all times, and only clean on good quality air days.
Groups are asked to organize themselves and take necessary safety precautions, including:
- Keep groups to 10 people or less
- Practice social distancing
- Wear a mask and gloves
- Stay hydrated
- Do not handle illicit drug paraphernalia or potentially dangerous items, report them to 311
Local groups who are interested in hosting a cleanup and need a site to clean or need support with supplies — including masks, garbage bags, and/or gloves — should email Irene Maiello at imaiello@statenislandusa.com or Lisa Thompson at Lisa.Thompson@rcda.nyc.gov.
Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #SILitterHero to be re-posted by both office’s social media accounts.
