The Sanitation Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of NYC Department of Sanitation, in conjunction with The Office of the Bronx Borough President, is gearing up to kick off the Fourth Annual Bronx Summer Clean-up Series. The Foundation is also working in partnership with The New York Yankees, with the support of NYC Service and Amazon. Throughout the summer, volunteers will be cleaning up five of the borough’s most interesting and vibrant neighborhoods. The first clean-up event will take place on June 22.

Pam Harris, president of The Sanitation Foundation, said, “As Yogi would say, ‘It’s like déjà vu all over again’.” Our Bronx Summer Clean-ups have quickly become part of the winning tradition of The Bronx, thanks to The New York Yankees who reward all volunteers with a pair of tickets. A big thanks to the Yankees, Amazon, and all of our supporters for making this program a success.”

During the 2023 Bronx Summer Clean-up Series, a total of 600 volunteers collected over 5,000 pounds of litter. It is the Sanitation Foundation’s goal to make an even bigger impact this summer.

According to The Sanitation Foundation, The Bronx Summer Clean-up Series has become a crowd favorite and a highly anticipated event for New Yorkers of all ages. Not only do volunteers enjoy giving back and helping to clean up our city sidewalks, they are also delighted to receive a voucher valid for two tickets to select New York Yankees 2024 regular season home games.

Additionally, The Sanitation Foundation builds in some fun competition: volunteers who participate in the clean up events who collect the most pounds of trash will also receive a special VIP experience at Yankee Stadium when the Bronx Bombers take on the Texas Rangers on Sunday, Aug. 11.

Brian Smith, New York Yankees senior vice president of corporate/community relations, said of the series launch, “The Bronx Summer Clean-Up Series has had exactly the impact we hoped for.” He added, “Those who have volunteered have brought tremendous enthusiasm and spirit, and the Sanitation Foundation and Bronx Borough President’s Office have been wonderful partners. Keeping our streets clean provides a benefit to everyone, and we look forward to a successful fourth year of this initiative.”

Clean-up events will take place on select Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and early August from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will collect litter along a predetermined route, and all tools and safety equipment will be provided. Full details and required registration can be found at sanitationfoundation.org/bronx-series.

Jessica Tisch, commissioner of NYC Department of Sanitation, said keeping New York City clean was a shared responsibility. “From Mott Haven to Bedford Park, the Bronx Summer Clean-up Series is an opportunity for New Yorkers to step up and help beautify their borough,” she said. “I thank The Sanitation Foundation, The New York Yankees, and every volunteer who has dedicated their time to cleaning up our City. Together, we can deliver the clean streets all New Yorkers expect and deserve.”

The Bronx Summer Clean Summer Series calendar dates include the following so far:

• Saturday, June 22 at Crotona Park East

• Friday, June 28 in Westchester Square

• Saturday, July 13 in Mott Haven

• Friday, July 19 in Bedford Park

• Friday, Aug. 2 at Yankee Stadium

Chief Service Officer at NYC Service Laura Rog said, “NYC Service is a proud partner of Sanitation Foundation in their Bronx Clean-up Series. Community collaborations are the heart of building a culture of service across our city, and the clean-ups continue to contribute to our city’s success and recovery.” She added, “We applaud the Yankees for their partnership in service and for their deep collaboration to foster community action across the Bronx, and look forward to seeing all the amazing impact the program has this summer!”

For her part, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said she was grateful to The Sanitation Foundation, The New York Yankees and other partners for sponsoring the 4th Annual Summer Clean-up Series, adding, “Thank you for creatively accomplishing our goal to enhance the beauty of our borough.”

Meanwhile, Carley Graham Garcia, head of community affairs for Amazon in New York, said, “At Amazon, we are excited to partner again with The Sanitation Foundation for its annual Bronx Clean-Up series.” She added, “Helping to clean up our city’s sidewalks including in Bronx communities remains a priority to Amazon. Come join us for this great event!”

All New Yorkers, whether they are concerned with beautifying The Bronx, interested in waste management, or just excited about earning free baseball tickets as a reward for giving back, are encouraged to join in this community-building clean-up series. For registration and full details. visit www.sanitationfoundation.org/bronx-series.

The Sanitation Foundation is the official non-profit partner of the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Its mission is to support the work of the DSNY to clean up the city and reduce waste sent to landfill. Foundation officials said it fosters innovative public/private partnerships with DSNY, city residents, businesses, elected officials, schools and community organizations to achieve a shared vision of engaging New Yorkers in making NYC a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city for all.