Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle On April 23, more than a hundred volunteers throughout the region came to the westside to participate in the 20th annual South Central Hilltop Cleanup. Hosted in conjunction with national Earth Day activities, the volunteers spent more than an hour picking up trash along Sullivant Avenue and its connector streets. Organizer Lisa Boggs said she was thankful for their participation and their continued support for the event. “We are all trying to do our part to make this community and this world a better place to live,” she said. “It’s hard work, and it can be dirty work, but I think we are all worth the effort.”Brad Foster, a cleanup volunteer with the Franklin County Engineer’s Office, empties out this hidden party spot in a cracked foundation on a Sullivant Avenue connector street. “I’ve cleared out at least eight mini bottles of Fireballs and I’m still finding more in here,” he said.Adam Miller, a State Representative serving House District 17, presents a proclamation of appreciation to cleanup organizer Lisa Boggs at the event. Boggs said she was honored by the recognition but added that the attention should really be given to all of the volunteers who continue to donate their time to beautify the community. “This would not be possible without them.”Elijah Good, 12, clears out glass and plastic bottles from the field at Burroughs Park.Keep Columbus Beautiful, a primary sponsor of the South Central Hilltop Cleanup, recently partnered with MY Project USA to increase community participation in recycling through the Hilltop Sustainability Ambassador Program. Pictured here from left to right are Proud Recyclers Zerqa Abid and Megan Boldt with future proud recycler Saleem Ali in his stroller. Abid is the founder and executive director of MY Project USA, a national initiative that aims to protect and empower youth and families. It is headquartered in the Hilltop area.
