Spring Valley, N.Y. — Dozens of volunteers gathered at Spring Valley Memorial Park over the weekend for a community cleanup and charitable outreach event aimed at improving one of the village’s public spaces while providing assistance to local residents.
The event was organized by Elim Friends, a nonprofit Christian organization that combines volunteer service projects with community outreach efforts. Throughout the day, participants collected litter, performed general park maintenance and distributed donated clothing and other items to residents at low cost.
According to organizers, volunteers were divided into separate teams to carry out different responsibilities. One group focused on cleaning and beautifying the park by removing trash and improving the grounds, while another team organized and distributed donated clothing, shoes and household items that had been collected through the organization’s donation drives.
Jose Son, a representative of Elim Friends, said the organization chose Spring Valley after recognizing a need for additional community cleanup efforts during visits to the area.
“We discovered there are places that need to be cleaned up,” Son said, explaining that the goal of the event was to help improve public spaces while serving the surrounding community.
Organizers said the cleanup was intended to do more than remove litter. The event also sought to strengthen relationships among volunteers and local residents while encouraging community involvement through service projects.
Rev. Samuel Sung of Hackensack, New Jersey, who participated in organizing the event, said the dual approach allowed volunteers to address both environmental and community needs at the same time. While one team worked throughout the park, another sorted donations and made clothing available to local families.
Rather than distributing the donated items entirely free of charge, organizers offered clothing and shoes for a nominal cost. They said the approach allows families to obtain needed items at prices well below retail while helping the nonprofit continue supporting future outreach efforts.
Spring Valley resident Michelle P., who attended the event with her godson, said the sale provided an affordable option for families looking to stretch their household budgets.
“It holds money in your pocket, but you’re also able to get what you need for your kids,” she said.
Elim Friends raises funds and collects donated goods to support immigrants arriving in the United States as well as individuals and families facing financial hardship in communities around the world. Organizers said community service projects such as the Spring Valley cleanup provide opportunities to meet local needs while introducing residents to the organization’s broader humanitarian mission.
The organization’s name is derived from the biblical location of Elim, described in the Book of Exodus as an oasis where the Israelites rested during their journey through the wilderness. Organizers said the name reflects their goal of providing practical assistance and encouragement to people facing difficult circumstances.
Keep Rockland Beautiful partnered with the event by supplying cleanup equipment and materials used by volunteers throughout the day. The nonprofit organization regularly works with municipalities, schools and community groups across Rockland County to organize litter cleanups, environmental stewardship projects and beautification initiatives.
Community cleanup events have become increasingly common throughout Rockland County as volunteer organizations, civic groups and local governments work together to maintain parks, trails and other public spaces. Organizers say these projects not only improve the appearance of community areas but also encourage residents to take an active role in preserving public property.
By the end of the day, volunteers had removed litter from large sections of Spring Valley Memorial Park while interacting with residents who stopped by to browse donated items, ask questions about the organization or simply thank participants for their work.
Organizers described the event as an opportunity to combine environmental stewardship with community service, saying they hope similar volunteer efforts will continue throughout Rockland County in the future. They also expressed appreciation to the volunteers, donors and community partners whose contributions helped make the cleanup and outreach event possible.
Keep Rockland Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing litter, promoting environmental stewardship and organizing volunteer cleanup events throughout the county. Information about upcoming cleanups, volunteer opportunities and educational programs is available at Keep Rockland Beautiful.
