Parkrose neighbors polish and shine Sandy Blvd.

Here’s why folks from the Parkrose Neighborhood Association organized the clean-up, and what other large group turned out to help …

Neighbors, including many members of the nearby La Luz Del Mundo church, come together for a winter litter pick-up on Sandy.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Typically, litter pick-up events take place during the warm weather months; but on March 9, organizers from the Parkrose Neighborhood Association called for help removing unsightly trash strewn about NE Sandy Boulevard in downtown Parkrose.

Although the day’s cold air nipped at the cheeks of volunteers who arrived, the brilliant sunshine buoyed volunteers’ spirits as they sipped beverages and ate snacks provided by the Parkrose Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.

Offering apples, bananas, and treats is Chad Hilker – the new owner of Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Parkrose.

“I’m happy to be out this morning, supporting this great community effort,” smiled the new owner of Grocery Outlet Bargain Market Parkrose, Chad Hilker.

“We’re ‘all about’ the community; we love being involved in the community, since we took over the store on September 20,” Hilker told East Portland News. “We love being here, serving the people of Parkrose, with more than just great groceries – we also are doing our best to help strengthen the community.”

Soon, more than 40 volunteers had gathered on the parking lot, ready to participate in the morning’s clean-up effort. Many of them were from the nearby La Luz Del Mundo Church, at NE 105th Avenue and Wygant Street.

Parkrose Neighborhood Association Chair Annette Stanhope greets volunteers.

“Over the winter, this area has just gotten full of litter and it’s not very nice to look at,” remarked one of the day’s organizers, Parkrose Neighborhood Association Chair Annette Stanhope. “Cleaning up our ‘main street’ makes it more inviting for people to come here and shop, and meet their neighbors!”

Out along the boulevard they go, picking up trash of all kinds, thereby beautifying their neighborhood.

To learn more about the Parkrose Neighborhood Association, see their Facebook page: CLICK HERE.

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