ELMIRA, N.Y. -- From 15 to 50, volunteers of all ages gathered in Wisner Park for annual Elmira downtown cleanup. Some, not old enough to work, but there to get the job done.
"I think it's important that we keep our society and our community clean,” said Kaitlyn Davis, an Elmira Student.
"People just think the area is their big garbage can, and it's not, we need to keep it clean,” said Mariah Coleman, an Elmira Student.
The event, now in its 18th year is starting to catch on. More than 300 people showed up ready to work Saturday.
"To watch all of the old young and new come down and take part, it's a beautiful day,” said Jennifer Herrick, Elmira Downtown Development Director.
“Everybody comes with a smile grabs their rack, their broom, their garbage bag and goes out and does it,” said Allison Mandel, Elmira Kiwanis Club Leader.
Volunteers said they can't cleanup Elmira in one day but every little bit helps.
“You'll see change, even in the last year there's been a lot of change downtown,” said Herrick.
Spring cleaning is in full effect in Elmira. Hundreds of people teamed up Saturday in an effort to make the city look better. Mariah Sparks has more.
Parents and teachers said it doesn't just help the area. Taking pride in your community means much more for kids who participate.
"They take pride in their school, pride in their area, pride in their community, pride in themselves,” said Bill Evans, a Southport resident.
And their efforts do make a big difference.
"When it's all said and done and we pick up the garbage, we'll more than fill up the dumpsters the city left for us,” said Mandel.
“If you don't take pride in your community wants going to bring other people to come and visit.
That's want we want, people to come to our city because it's a great community to live,” said Herrick.
The next event in downtown Elmira is at Wisner market on June 15th which features more than 30 vendors.