The Great Portland Pick-Up: A Morning of Community Impact

The Great Portland Pick-Up took place this past Saturday morning, May 3rd, and was a resounding success, thanks to the partnership between the Portland Parks Conservancy and the Office of Sustainability at the City of Portland. Around 160-170 volunteers participated, representing local residents, students, business professionals, and several neighborhood groups. The event showcased the power of community collaboration, making a tangible difference in our city.

Volunteers worked at various cleanup sites across the city, collecting an average of 7-12 bags of trash at each location. The results were evident in parks, streets, and public spaces, creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment for all to enjoy. The efforts not only improved the physical landscape but also underscored the collective commitment to preserving the beauty of Portland’s green spaces.

Local businesses played a key role in the event’s success. Hannaford, Toad&Co, and Trader Joe’s generously donated prizes for a volunteer raffle, while Dunkin’ Donuts locations across the city provided coffee, donuts, and Munchkins. Starbucks also contributed coffee to keep everyone energized. Over 100 participants entered the raffle for a chance to win one of these exciting prizes, adding to the fun and community spirit of the day.

The event was also covered by Channel 8 WMTV, highlighting the efforts of volunteers and the ongoing importance of caring for our shared public spaces. Their coverage helped spread the message of community commitment to Portland’s green spaces.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the cleanup. Your efforts not only made a direct impact on our environment but also strengthened our sense of community. Events like these remind us of how much we can accomplish when we come together. We look forward to doing it again next year and continuing to make Portland an even better place for everyone to enjoy!

Check out some photos from the event below!