Written for The Argo by Josh Corsentino

Early Saturday morning, volunteers and Stockton students alike gathered at O’Donnell Park to kickstart Atlantic City’s 5th Community Day Clean Up event. Across multiple locations, volunteers were tasked with collecting trash and helping beautify the park, as well as surrounding streets of the city.

Stockton students had the opportunity to take shuttles to and from the cleanup locations, which included The Northeast Inlet, Orange Loop, Midtown, Westside, Ducktown, Venice Park, and Chelsea & Lower Chelsea.

“Every year I volunteer to be the captain for Ducktown in the Community Day Cleanup and Party in the Park, and it brings me a lot of joy because I really believe in bringing community together and making the city a better place for everyone,” said Mariella Negro, a Stockton alumn and manager of the West Lake Fred Radio (WLFR).

“It really takes a village to keep a village clean.” When asked about other reasons Stockton students should consider volunteering for the event, Negro responded, “Stockton is pretty much the biggest educational institution in our county and a lot of great things come out of Stockton. I really believe that ever since Stockton got more involved in Atlantic City, it’s just a big blessing, and I think students should go out of their way and definitely be involved.”

Immediately following the Clean Up, visitors and volunteers were treated to the Party in the Park, featuring live music by Shaun LeBoy. Volunteers received food vouchers for participating companies, with those including The Muffin Top, Tacocat Margate, Mad Dog Morgan’s, and Grubbin’ Gringos.

There were also live spray painting, chalk art, and pumpkin painting courtesy of the Noyes Art Garage. Vendors were also set up, where people could receive free henna and purchase crochet items, jewelry, and natural soaps and skin care products by Beyond Bubbles and Alisha Lumière.