Volunteers from First Lutheran Church are gearing up for their annual highway cleanup on Sunday, May 4.

“First Lutheran has been committed to keeping Route 62 clean since November 7, 2019, when they partnered with PennDOT through the Adopt-A-Highway program.” said Ralph Farone, who is the chair of Highway Cleanup. “Their designated cleanup section runs from Seventh Avenue north to the Walmart entrance. PennDOT supports the effort by providing safety vests, gloves, and garbage bags, as well as arranging for the collected trash to be picked up the following day.”

In addition to highway cleanup, volunteers will also focus on city parks, including Beaty Field, offering a non-highway option for those who prefer to help in a different way. The event typically sees 10 to 12 volunteers, though last fall’s cleanup saw a record 16 participants, including both adults and teens.

The cleanup day will kick off with a pizza luncheon at 12:15 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, followed by assigned section distribution at 12:45 p.m. Volunteers who cannot attend the luncheon are welcome to meet at the First Lutheran Parking Lot to join the effort. The event is expected to conclude shortly after 2 p.m., depending on the number of participants.

“All are welcome to help us! You don’t need to be a member of First Lutheran; you just need to be willing to help keep our community clean of debris and trash,” said Penny Lester, a member of the church.

While many groups take part in spring litter cleanups, organizers emphasize the ongoing need for these efforts. “I think we could pick up each week and still get bags and bags full of garbage,” Lester added.

The church also acknowledges the contributions of Sarah Thomas, a local resident who frequently collects cans and litter along the highway. “She often is our ‘angel’ who picks up in the First Lutheran section of Route 62,” Lester said.