The Isaac Sterett Adventure Foundation is gearing up for its third annual Operation Community Cleanup, a community-wide trash pickup event set for April 26. The initiative invites individuals, families, businesses, schools, and organizations to form teams and compete to clean up the most across the city and county.
Katie Sterett, founder of the nonprofit, said the idea for Operation Community Cleanup stemmed from discussions within the foundation’s outreach committee about ways to improve the community while encouraging outdoor engagement.
“One thing led to another, and we started talking about littering and how big of a problem it is,” Sterett said. “Someone on our team suggested a coordinated cleanup effort, and it took off from there.”
Since its inception, the event has garnered widespread community support, with more than 30 sponsors backing the initiative. Last year, participants collected more than 360 full bags of trash and over 100 large items, with organizers aiming to surpass 400 bags this year.
The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at 1010 Allen Street, where teams will gather before dispersing across the city. Participants will return to the exact location to dispose of collected trash in donated dumpsters, and winners will be announced based on the amount of waste collected. Awards will be given for the top school team and first-, second-, and third-place overall finishers.
Adding to the fun, the event features a mascot — Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street — and a large trash can-shaped trophy awarded to the winning team.
While the official cleanup takes place on April 26, Sterett said people are encouraged to participate anytime.
“You don’t have to do it that day because every bag of trash is a win for the community,” she said. “The goal is to make our city a cleaner, more beautiful place.”
Participation is free, and those interested can register individually or as a team by visiting issacsterettadv.org/upcoming-events.
