CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill — One Cahokia Heights neighborhood received some much-needed attention on Saturday.
Volunteers from across the bi-state joined in on the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Regional Business Council's (RBC) "Clean Up, Build Up" initiative.
Volunteers demolished abandoned properties, cleared brush, and picked up trash to restore the neighborhood.
The partnership brings together volunteers from across the region multiple times a year to restore the streets, particularly those that are under-resourced.
ULSTL's James Clark said the cleanup was all over the city but extended to the Metro East to address a need that exists across the entire bi-state.
"I think it's an overlooked area that if people took the time to come down and get to know they would appreciate it more and want to be more involved. Want to help it be more successful," said Blake Bartimus who was out with his group from Affton Chemical in a neighboring community.
"They are in a place where it feels like no one cares. We want to build a sense of hope for the families that's in this area. In this community. Because they deserve that," said Alandon Pitts, workforce development manager for RBC Regional Business Council.
Aside from looking nice, leaders say removing the barriers stops criminal activity.
"Just so families understand they can see the stop sign now. You can see if people are outside your house. So this is going to really change the way the community feels around here," Pitts added.
