60/60 Cleanup: Working together to make a difference

MANSFIELD – North End Community Improvement Collaborative, Inc. (NECIC) will host their annual 60/60 Cleanup on Thursday, April 26, from 5 to 6 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the NECIC office, 199 N. Main St., Mansfield, at 5 p.m. to sign in.

“This is our seventh year,” said NECIC Community Development Manager Tony Chinni. “It’s a great event, and residents really appreciate the results. You’d be amazed at how much fun people have -  getting to know each other, laughing, and just enjoying making a difference in the community.”

The goal of the event is to have 60 volunteers clean up for 60 minutes, thus the name – 60/60 Cleanup.

Clean up locations are in Mansfield’s North End Community, which is NECIC’s geographical focus, made up of census tracts 6, 7, and 16. The organization has put together a convenient street list to help identify North End areas.

Designated clean up locations are chosen based on need, said Chinni. “Areas suggested by North End residents are priority in our clean up, and staff keeps an eye out for trouble spots, as well.”

“The most basic step in neighborhood transformation is cleaning it up,” said NECIC Executive Director Deanna West-Torrence. “We appreciate our volunteers and residents who pitch in to make a difference.”

Volunteers are key, added Chinni, and everyone is welcome to join in. “It doesn’t necessarily have to fall within the scheduled hour. If you want to organize a cleanup, the time is up to you. Just let us know when and where and we can document it." 

“Coming out of winter, the trash is suddenly noticeable, and it’s satisfying to know that you took part in making a difference,” Chinni said.

Volunteers will be treated to pizza at NECIC, 199 N. Main, after the cleanup.

For more information, or to suggest a location to be cleaned up, call Tony Chinni at 419-525-3101, or email Tony@necic-ohio.org.