Community Corner
New Rochelle Unites To Beautify Community
Councilman Jared Rice and the Community Enrichment Zone spearhead first organized cleanup initiative.
Close to 100 men, women, teens, and children volunteers came together to clean up five litter-ridden areas of New Rochelle this weekend.
Galvanized by Councilman Jared Rice, Saturday's Community Beautification was designed to reduce the incidence of litter, overflow of garbage and improve the quality of life in New Rochelle, while promoting pride and community accountability.
“This is a big event that we are having today and I am so glad the weather held up,” said Councilman Jared Rice (D-District 3). “I have been working with many organizations to make the event possible. In order for us to achieve things we have to work together, and it’s beautiful to see all of these people come out to support.”
The group met at the Remington Boys and Girls at 8:30 a.m. to register and pick up T-shirts and cleaning supplies. Participants also fueled up on water and donuts prior to going out to their areas. Bethesda Baptist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, St. Paul’s Church, Gospel Tabernacle, Remington Boys and Girls Club, Habitat For Humanity, Municipal Housing Authorities, the Community Enrichment Zone, and other individuals came together to lend a helping hand.
A veteran of community clean-up efforts and beautification, Jim Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, brought several of his staff members.
“It’s such a blessing to be here. I commend Jared for calling together local volunteers. It’s an important time for people to help across the county in their own neighborhoods,” Killoran said. “This is the best opportunity to build community from the bottom up. We [Habitat For Humanity] have been doing that for years, painting Lincoln Park, building homes on Lincoln and Hemingway, and painting churches.”
Ode Willby of Born Again United Apostalic Church said clean-up efforts like Saturday's are the definition of community spirit.
“People are my heart and this is what [Jesus] Christ wants us to do. You can go to church on Sunday and bible study on Wednesday, but this is what showing Christ’s love is about: caring for those that are in need, hurting, hungry or are in prison," he said. "If we come together, there is no limit to what we can do.”
