Every year, hundreds of volunteers from the greater Jamestown region join the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation for Hands On Jamestown, a community-wide effort to clean and beautify the streets of Jamestown.

Participants assist with litter collection, raking, sweeping, and other clean-up activities in downtown Jamestown and surrounding neighborhoods. The Jamestown Parks Department plants flowers throughout downtown, cleans streets and organizes trash collection. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will find light refreshments while supplies last, garbage bags and gloves at Winter Garden Plaza. Check-in is not required, however Jamestown Renaissance Corporation staff will be available at Winter Garden Plaza throughout the event to provide assistance, give directions and coordinate efforts.

“It’s great to see the community get out and work on making Jamestown look great to kick off the summer. The combination of the clean streets and the freshly planted flowers from the Parks Department can transform downtown Jamestown in just a few hours,” said Zach Agett, Jamestown Renaissance Corp. marketing and events manager.

Individuals, families, or groups interested in volunteering can visit JRC’s website to submit a digital registration and view a map of clean-up sites. The interactive map is updated daily to allow people to choose a clean-up area that is right for them. Most volunteers who sign up already have an idea of where they would like to work, but for those who don’t, volunteers are being encouraged to choose somewhere downtown, or just select downtown, and JRC will find a spot for them.

While litter collection is the easiest task to perform, participants are also encouraged to pick up branches, leaves, sweep sidewalks and curbs, and help with other community projects in the city. Due to limited resources, volunteers are encouraged to use their own tools, gloves and other equipment.

For more information about Hands On Jamestown, or to see the map and register for the event, visit jamestownrenaissance.org/handsonjamestown, find the organization’s Facebook page or call 489-3496.