Community partners gather for West Jackson cleanup

JANS – More than 65 volunteers and 35+ students from Jackson State University joined residents, churches, and local sponsors recently for a community clean-up and fellowship meal that brought new life to the Dalton Deer Park and University Park neighborhoods – among the oldest in Ward 5.

The event, hosted by St. Luther M.B Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles E. Polk Jr., was held in coordination with the Pecan Tree Park Neighborhood Association, in partnership with local churches, residents, and businesses.

The Dalton Deer Park and University Park neighbors started weeks earlier by leaving more bags at the curb. They were provided extra garbage bags in advance of the clean-up date. Their efforts were joined by volunteers who fanned out across the community with rakes, gloves, and garbage bags, clearing overgrowth, hauling debris, and restoring curb appeal to streets throughout the area. 

Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley joined the effort personally, bringing his blue tractor and a second skid steer machine was secured to help cut back heavy overgrowth and clear curbs that volunteers couldn’t tackle by hand.

The day’s work was capped off with a celebration lunch  where volunteers and residents shared a meal together in fellowship.

The clean-up was made possible through the support of sponsors including BankPlus, HOPE Credit Union, Keep Jackson Beautiful, the City of Jackson, Jackson State University, and the Pecan Tree Park Neighborhood Association, along with participating congregations Evergreen Church, Epiphany Church, Pilgrim’s Rest Church, and Pratt Memorial Church.

“Many hands, one community, stronger together” was the spirit of the day, as organizers say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to restoring hope and care to Ward 5’s neighborhoods.