If you are a citizen of Suffolk, you know that community is a reoccurring theme through many facets of local life. There is an intrinsic pride, warmth, and awareness that permeates the population. City Council and School Board meetings are regularly attended by involved citizens, and it is not hard to find active chapters of the Civic League. However, while most attention is paid to new developments, education, and infrastructure improvements, there is also much interest among the people in simply keeping their community beautiful.

This is why Keep Suffolk Beautiful, a part of Suffolk Public Works and an affiliate of the non-profit Keep America Beautiful, is so very important. Not only is this organization responsible for recycling and litter control, but it helps facilitate the planting, placing, and preservation of new and existing plants, trees, and flowers.

However, much of the organization’s impact is delivered by average citizens participating in various events, initiatives, and volunteer programs. One such event, the Zombie Cleanup, usually happens in conjunction with Halloween. Participants are encouraged to dress up as zombies, meet at Morgan Memorial Library in downtown Suffolk, and costume play as the undead while picking up neighborhood litter. While most such events were placed on hold during the pandemic, there are upcoming events and gatherings beginning in the fall. One such event is the Nansemond River Cleanup, which relies on kayakers and canoers to clean the waterways of debris washing through the downtown Suffolk region.

Wayne Jones, the Community Outreach Coordinator with Suffolk Public Works, is quick to point out that citizens do not need to wait for the Nansemond River Cleanup to pitch in and that they can easily organize their own cleanups.

“The public is encouraged to coordinate their own independent cleanups through joining the free Adopt-a-Street Program or borrowing a Litter Kit from their local library,” Wayne explains. “Ultimately, Keep Suffolk Beautiful engages the public to let them know how easy it is to seize opportunities and get involved with helping to keep the city clean. They can join our organized cleanups and events, most of which do not require pre-registration. If they want to do their own cleanup, they can contact us, and we will provide them with all the supplies and, once they’re finished, we’ll help remove the trash that’s been collected.  We can also offer them support in picking a cleanup location and, if they wish, help encourage their neighbors to participate.” Those interested can contact Littercontrol@suffolkva.us for assistance with both the Adopt-a-Street Program and the Litter Kits.
 

Citizens inspired to participate in the beautification and upkeep of their communities are encouraged to seek out volunteer opportunities on the Keep Suffolk Beautiful Facebook page or the Litter Control portion of the City of Suffolk website at www.suffolkva.us. For opportunities to volunteer, call  (757) 514-7604 or enquire by email at  KSB@suffolkva.us. For assistance with other facets of public service, call Suffolk City Hall at (757) 514-4000 or visit www.suffolkva.us.