WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Side will host its annual Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 21.
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., volunteers can come to Town Hall, 26 Central St., to register, pick up supplies like gloves and trash bags, and to receive refreshments from the Lions Club. Town Hall will be the only place offering supplies, said Carly Camossi, West Springfield’s chief of operations.
Volunteers will then be directed to locations that need litter removal. Once finished, Camossi said, they will be told where to leave their trash bags, so that the DPW can swing by and pick the trash up.
“Anyone who wants to dedicate their time to picking up, they’re just bettering our community,” said Camossi.
Camossi said the mayor’s office and the DPW are still working on determining which locations to clean, but volunteers will be all over town. People can reach out to the mayor’s office with location suggestions by calling 413-263-3041.
“Everywhere really needs it,” she said.
This year, the 250th Anniversary Committee, not the Environmental Committee, is organizing the cleanup. Camossi co-chairs the committee with Sarah Calabrese-Dunphy. Camossi said the two think that West Springfield is “a great place to live, work and raise a family,” and want to build community around town.
In a statement, Mayor William Reichelt said, “I am so glad that the 250th Anniversary Committee stepped up to organize this event this year. This event is such a great way to celebrate Earth Day and kick off spring for the community by giving back in a way that benefits all.”
More than 100 people volunteered last year, Camossi said, and she hopes a similar amount will this year. The community loves giving back, she said, so she’s not concerned about the number.
Asked how people can clean up on other days of the year, Camossi said they can do their part and not litter. They can also reach out to the mayor’s office, she said, and ask about volunteer opportunities with the town.
Volunteers can pre-register at shorturl.at/bxM23. Advance registration is recommended but not necessary. Camossi recommends volunteers bring “a can-do attitude and their friends.”
For more information, email celebrate250@tows.org.
