The Office of
Volunteer Services
links citizens with opportunities to share their time with city government. The office recruits, places, tracks and recognizes volunteers for their efforts.

Calling all collectors!

Cleanup Columbia was held Saturday, April 12. Despite cold weather, the 2008 event was a huge success. Here is the event by the numbers:

2,000 volunteers from 160 registered groups or individuals planned to participate.
An estimated 1,129 volunteers participated on April 12 picking up 1,502 bags of trash and sharing 2,020 hours of volunteer service.
Another 313 volunteers have postponed their cleanup to another date in hopes of better weather.
Who participates in Cleanup Columbia? There were... 44 families, 26 civic groups, 21 businesses, 15 individuals, 14 college groups, 13 faith organizations/churches, 13 scout groups, 9 elementary or secondary school groups and 9 neighborhood associations that participated. View the List of groups, locations assigned and start time.

Plans for 2009...

Cleanup Columbia will likely be held in April 2009 although the specific date has not yet been set. Groups who plan to participate are welcome to submit an online form to reserve their area; we will confirm in early 2009. We are also always looking for ideas on where volunteers should pick up litter.

Register Online
Suggest Areas to be Cleaned

Why is trash pick up so important? The litter created here in Columbia effects the environment around the world. Visit the LA Times' Altered Oceans special report - part 4 is of special interest for Cleanup Columbia.

For more information contact the city's Office of Volunteer Services at 874-7499 or email us.

Thanks to our event sponsors and to the Golden K Kiwanis for their continued support with supply distribution and serving lunch.

Updated 4-14-08