Community Conversations: New cleanup effort ‘The Big Bend Pickup’ launches in October
Lynsey Harris
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new community cleanup event is taking shape in Bend, aiming to expand the work already being done through the Bend Beautification Program.
Danny Goll and his wife recently adopted Galveston Avenue through the program, and after a few cleanups there, they wanted to take it citywide. That’s how the idea for The Big Bend Pickup was born.
The first event is set for Saturday, October 4th. Volunteers can sign up at BigBendPickup.com and will be sent to designated areas identified as needing the most attention. Goll says participants will be provided with pickers and trash bags to collect litter.
Afterward, volunteers will receive a token redeemable for a free beer at participating sponsors, including Sunriver Brewing, Bend Brewing, Podski, and Silver Moon.
“The more people that participate, the better,” Goll said. “Our goal is to eventually have more than 100 people at a time so we can cover as much of the city as possible.”
Goll added that for him and his wife, the effort is about pride in their community. “We moved here because we view Bend as our little slice of paradise. It feels good to contribute, and when people honk and wave while we’re out there, it really reinforces that community feel.”