UB’s ‘Gettin’ Dirty’ spring clean-up project targets Buffalo neighborhoods

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Hundreds of University at Buffalo students will fan out with paint brushes and shovels throughout Buffalo’s Fruit Belt and other neighborhoods Saturday as part of the university’s ‘Gettin’ Dirty’ project to help clean local gardens, parks and other community gathering spots.

The students, all of whom are volunteering their time, will work at 16 locations – six around UB’s South Campus and 10 around UB’s Downtown Campus – to paint, repair and clean neighborhood sites.

When: Saturday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Numerous locations throughout Buffalo in the neighborhoods surrounding UB’s South and Downtown Campuses

Why: Students have volunteered to help spruce up neighborhood sites for several years. This year’s volunteer corps is especially interested in showing how university students can contribute to being good neighbors for residents surrounding UB students and facilities.

What: Students will take on a variety of projects including painting churches, houses, cleaning debris, sweeping sidewalks and spring gardening.

Best bet for Photos: Linear Park (headed by Cassandra Hayes at 836-7015), Minnesota Avenue Median (headed by Yvonne Brown at 833-7763) and the Locust Street Art School for the Fruit Belt (Liz Van Verth at 852-4562).

Students will return to Allen Hall on UB’s South Campus at 1:30 p.m. after clean-up for a post-event celebration.

“I’m always pleasantly surprised by the interest and involvement of our students in giving back to the community,” says Linwood Roberts, neighborhood outreach coordinator.

Tools will be provided by the University Heights Tool Library. The event is being presented by UB’s Office of Government and Community Relations in collaboration with the UB Student Government.

On site contact: Linwood Roberts at (718) 219-6230 who will be available throughout the day on selected sites.