CommUNITY clean-up day brings more than just cleaner streets
GEORGETOWN, Del. – Residents spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning up the town, but it involved more than just picking up trash. They tell us they were focused on unity and bringing people together. “We missed being able to see people’s face, so this just makes me so happy,” says Laura Dye, a volunteer and Manager of a local Starbucks.
Georgetown residents young and old came together for unity. We’re told this community clean up day is doing more than just making the town beautiful on the outside, it’s also about making the connections on the inside just as beautiful. Event organizers say, that starts with residents and businesses. “Create hope and opportunity for not just the residents but the business owners to create those connections and make them stronger,” says Barbara Carter, the Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity.
Residents and town officials say, after a tough year it was time to gather again and reflect. However, they say their sights are set on the future, making the town represent everyone who lives there. “We’re here today because we want this community to look like the people that live in it and how they want it to look,” says Jaime Sayler, Program Director for First State Community Action.
The day brought fun, laughter, food, business, vaccines and unfortunately a little bit of rain, but that didn’t stop the festivities. “Despite the rain, the sun is coming out so that’s the best thing and we can all continue to come together to enjoy the rest of the day,” says Delaware Representative Ruth Briggs-King.
Rep. Briggs-King tells 47 ABC, they’ve had clean up days before in sections of the town. However, she also says it’s a new year for Georgetown and it’s about time to get everyone in the community, working together. “For those that are going through town and seeing us all engaged and working together in the community sends a very strong message.” Dye adds, “You see our shirts say community, unity, and that was the goal. To see all different groups of people together, it’s just heart warming.”
Event organizers tell us, they plan to do more events like these in the future in the hopes of keeping the spirit of bringing everyone together alive and thriving.
