10/11/2026
Emily here,
Today I met Mark down at a bridge in Collettsville. He was out there by himself, picking up trash that the recent storms and flooding had pushed up along the bridge and banks.
Instead of looking at the mess and walking away, Mark saw an opportunity. The water had brought so much trash into areas that were now easier to reach, it was a beautiful day, and he decided to do something about it.
So I joined him.
Not long after, Lee stopped by and went to get us trash bags. She wasn’t able to stay and help clean, but that didn’t make her contribution any less important. Then came Karan, who didn’t hesitate to stop and jump right in.
What started as one person picking up trash turned into neighbors working together to take care of their community.
Helene taught us a lot about the strength of our communities. We saw neighbors helping neighbors, strangers showing up for each other, and people doing whatever they could with whatever they had.
But that shouldn’t stop just because we aren’t in the middle of a crisis anymore.
We don’t have to wait for another disaster to show up for our communities. We don’t need an organized event, a group of volunteers, or someone telling us what needs to be done. Sometimes it really is as simple as seeing something that needs attention and doing what you can.
The recent flooding has pushed trash into bridges, creek banks, and other areas that are now easier to access. So today, we’re encouraging our neighbors to take a few hours, get outside, and clean up what you can safely reach.
Grab a trash bag, bring a friend, ask your neighbor to join you. Even if you only have 20 minutes or can only contribute a few supplies, it matters.
Just remember to stay out of moving water and away from unstable banks or dangerous debris.
Our communities showed incredible strength during Helene. Let’s keep building on that strength even when things are quiet.
Thank you, Mark, Lee, and Karan, for being a reminder of what community looks like.
We are stronger when we show up for each other, not just when we have to, but because we can.
