The month of April kicked off with volunteers gathering in front of Palos Heights City Hall, ready to roll up their sleeves for the city’s annual Green Team Clean-Up Day. Led by Pat Stifter, the longtime coordinator of the initiative, the event brought together residents, students, and local officials for a common goal, to keep their community clean.
“I’ve been with the Green Team for several years now, and every year, I am amazed at the dedication of our volunteers,” Stifter said. “This is truly a community effort, and every set of hands makes a difference.”
Participants registered in front of the City Hall building at 7607 W. College Drive before spreading out across designated areas for the cleanup on Saturday, April 5.
The initiative focused on some of the city’s busiest and most littered areas, including 135th Street west of Harlem, the Cal Sag bike trail, Route 83 between the Metra rail overpass and Ridgeland, and key intersections like Harlem and College Drive, as well as 127th and Harlem.
Volunteers were also encouraged to suggest additional areas in need of attention.
“This is a nice way to be able to give back to the community,” Liz Lagioia, 21, of Oak Lawn, said.
Last year’s cleanup drew more than 25 volunteers who collected over 40 bags of garbage, and organizers were happy to exceed those numbers this year. To assist with the cleanup effort, the Green Team provided gloves, bags, and other necessary equipment. As a thank-you, volunteers were treated to a light lunch after their hard work. Students were also eligible to receive community service hours for their efforts.
“Palos Heights Public Works does an outstanding job keeping our municipal areas tidy,” Stifter said. “But along our roadways, it’s a different story. So much garbage gets tossed out of car windows, and it ends up blowing everywhere.”
The event was a collaborative effort between the Green Team and several local organizations. The Palos Heights Public Works Department provided cleanup supplies, while the Palos Heights Police Department ensured volunteers’ safety. Lake Katherine Nature Center also lent its support, reinforcing the community-wide commitment to environmental health.
Andrew High School’s NHS students were up bright and early happy to be a part of the initiative as well.
“The beauty and environmental health of our community are priorities for us,” Stifter said. “Research shows that engaging with clean, natural surroundings improves human health. By working together, we’re making a positive impact not just for today, but for future generations.”
Sifter said the day was a true testament to the power of community and the shared vision of a cleaner, healthier environment.
