WARREN, Ohio - Groups and public officials took part in giving a hand volunteering their Saturday morning to spruce up their city.
 
In Warren folks cleaned up plastics, tires, and other rubbish that people toss near streams and creeks or in yards and fields. Volunteers say no one wants their city to look like a dump site. But in many areas it does.
 
Behind a gas station in Warren volunteers removed around 75 tires, dozens of plastic containers that hold bottled carbonated drinks or sodas. 
 
There was still a few more days work needed to clean that area that has been used as a dumping ground.
 
"To me this is very important cos you drive through the city. It has garbage everywhere. It's sad. It makes the city look bad," Steve Duran said.
 
Pride & Joy Today, a non-profit, began this effort in 2021 and had built partnerships in this citywide clean up.
 
Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert along with council persons Ron White, Andrew Herman and Ken MacPhearson rolled up their sleeves to help.
 
"Government can't do it all, so folks have to come out and make a difference. This is just part of a partnership between community leaders, elected officials, and volunteerism to get the job done," Councilman Ken MacPherson said.
 
Torch Youth Conference under the leadership of Pastor Paul Ringold, the non-profit Concerned Citizens Council or CCC, SESCA Neighborhood Watch Group, and inmates from Trumbull Correctional Institute in Leavittsburgh also volunteered time.
 
Gordon's American Martial Arts Studio says this clean up helps kids learn how to give back to their community.
 
"I think we picked up around six bags of garbage just around  the High Street Area around where our school is at, around that whole block," Michele Gordon with Gordon Martial Arts Studio said. 
 
Believers Christian Church Donated Food for volunteers at a lunch held at Quinby Park.
 
Pastor Evans from Saint Paul hosted lunch for the inmates who volunteered time helping. 
 
The Chief Executive Officer of Pride and Joy, a non-profit group wants everyone know should all do our part to keep Warren and neighborhoods clean so partners can build on other positive things for Warren.
 
"Just taking a little responsibility to put it in a safe space which is a garbage can or just making sure if you put it down on the ground you pick it up," Pride & Joy Today CEO Sher-ree Glover said.
 
The groups also thank the Trumbull Geauga Waste Management donation of garbage bags, gloves, and use of tools needed to help beautify Warren. That company also donates t-shirts to teens and folks who take part in the spring clean up.
 
April 22nd more volunteers are being asked to lend a helping hand for the Earth Day celebration in Warren.