Turlock Shines, a volunteer-led project aimed to beautify and re-establish pride in our small community, cleaned up the city on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Turlock Covenant Church, United Methodist Church, Westside Ministries, Turlock and Pitman High School students and other members of the community met at Donnelly Park and enjoyed a light breakfast of coffee and donuts before the volunteers were given their assignments.
The groups of volunteers gathered their gloves, garden hoes, rakes and shovels before dispersing. They were to collect trash, weeds and other forms of litter scattered across the on- and off-ramps along Highway 99, Golden State Boulevard and neighborhood alleys.
“The reason why we are doing this is because it’s the first impression people have when they come into the city,” Mary Jackson, former Turlock Councilwoman, explained.
The on- and off-ramps are the first thing you notice when you arrive into a city. If you see clean ones, you’ll have a good impression of the town. The opposite is true if you see off-ramps covered in litter and graffiti.
California State University, Stanislaus student Dustin Speckman (sophomore, Music) described his motivation for participating in the annual citywide cleanup effort.
“I volunteer for Turlock Shines because I enjoy working on projects to improve the place I live,” Speckman said. “Turlock Shines brings a lot of people together to do projects that are beneficial to the community.”
Get together with family and friends and dedicate a few hours to give back to the community. The benefits can reach far beyond the actual project.
“People should participate in Turlock Shines because it’s only one Saturday morning of your life,” Sean Evers (junior, Mathematics) said.
“It’s a great way to show your appreciation for the city. When people see you working hard, you might inspire someone else to get out and make a difference.”
If you were unable to attend Turlock Shines last Saturday, don’t fret. Turlock Shines will also be taking place this Saturday, Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information, contact Mary Jackson at 209-585-7372 or by email at [email protected].