Filling The Gap: Volunteers Start Weekly Street Clean-Up

Highway Superintendent Rick Lambert has his hands full.

With three layoffs due to budget cuts, two retirements and two resignations in this month alone, Lambert has faced an uphill battle in keeping Woonsocket streets and parks clean. Litter, once removed by public works employees has become a challenge.

"There's an issue to getting to certain things," said Lambert. "You have to pick and choose, and really maximize your efforts." 

When Lambert was informed that a volunteer group from was ready to help clean Woonsocket, he was grateful.

The group, brought together by volunteer coordinator Vicente Morales with the help of Pastor and Pastora Roberto and Emma Gonzales, organized their first volunteer effort last month, helping the Stadium Theatre relocate property from a location on Hamlet Street into storage. When 16 members of the congregation showed up to help with the project, Morales knew he could expand the church's efforts on a grander scale.

"I've been living for 25 years in Woonsocket and I've always been interested in bringing people together," said Morales.

The group contacted Recreation Director James Cannon, asking for guidance in getting started. Cannon suggested they contact Yvette Ayotte, longtime cleanup volunteer for organizational assistance, and a plan was hatched. Lambert would direct the group to areas where their help was most needed and rotating groups of six or more volunteers would undertake the weekly effort.

The church announced their plans at services held July 3, with Mayor Fontaine in attendance.

Morales organized the group's first street clean-up this morning, and plans to continue every Friday in weeks to come. A seven member team targeted Chester and Social Streets today, removing trash from curbs and roadways.

"The hope is that when people see a group come out, they'll want to be part of it," Morales said.

If this morning's clean-up was any example, Morales can expect the full support and help of local residents. As the group beautified the area, a neighbor came out offering fruit and water and getting contact information to help in future weeks.

"We're having a good time, I love doing this," said Morales. In addition to the weekly street cleanings, the group hopes to adopt a park.

Pastor Gonzalez explained that the church “wants to make a difference and contribute to the good of the community.”

"Their assistance is greatly appreciated," said Lambert of the project.

Ayotte, who every morning joined the team, pleased that after more than a year of looking for help with her efforts, someone had finally stepped forward.

This morning's clean-up was rescheduled because of rain on Friday, but generally the group will be out at 8 a.m. every Friday morning. 

If you would like to join the effort to clean Woonsocket's streets, contact Ayotte at 356-4010.