Cleanup Cincy is an event hosted by the the University of Cincinnati student led-group, Clean Up Cincy. The group, started in 2015 by UC students committed to beautification for Cincinnati, had just 350 members that first semester they went out. Not only was the event a great way to earn community service hours for various scholarship and extracurricular programs, but this event since its founding has been a way to clean up the city and rid twelve distinct areas of Cincinnati and surrounding municipalities of litter.
This April's event was no different, although there was a difference between today's event and previous events occurring in October or April: Snow. About two inches of snow were on the ground with probably another 1/10th of an inch of ice below it (if I can accurately judge based on the fact I used half a gallon of windshield wiper fluid to make it to the event the morning of), which for many would be enough to get them to stay home. Not these university students, however, who showed up by the hundreds to board at least a dozen buses to go and clean up Cincinnati. Neither snow, nor ice, nor the freezing cold temperatures making their breath visible would keep these committed students from helping to make our city look cleaner for all who live and visit.
While people's hands were devoid of feeling, especially those like myself without gloves, a generous, if small, breakfast was offered to all those who were willing to brave the frigid air. Many leading the tables were surprised to see such a turnout even through the plunged temperatures, including Hannah, a sophomore who said "[While] we usually get a pretty good turnout, I'm surprised with the temperature being so cold today." She, like hundreds of others, didn't let snow and cold keep her away from helping out. "This is a great way to help out the community. I come every semester they have it because it's always something different!"
Zach, a junior, was also surprised at the turnout, saying, "they had a lot of people who had signed up beforehand." This in reference to the fact that there was and in the future will be a way to sign up on the morning of CUC for anyone who decided at the last minute to join in on the fun. As well, Zach said "Hopefully there's no snow next time we have CUC. Also, we're hoping to have a better selection for breakfast!"
With such high morale even though the thermometer had frozen solid, everyone seemed in great spirits as they headed off and in even better spirits after a job well done when they came back. If you are interested in helping make Cincinnati a more beautiful city, need service hours, or just want to help out for the free breakfast, Clean Up Cincy is five hours of a good time doing great things with people who just want to make our city a better place that takes place every October and April. Snow, bitter cold, heat, rain, or shine, these wonderful students will be out there helping our city, and if this is up your alley, I recommend you join them next time around.
