Yorkville Green Connect seeks volunteers for August 31 environmental cleanup – Shaw Local

Stephanie Roskopf believes that by cleaning one street at a time, together with the volunteer group Yorkville Green Connect, they are spreading the environmental message of leaving the world better than it was throughout the community.

For eight years, Roskopf has been assisting local volunteers with environmental cleanups throughout the Yorkville area. On Aug. 31 from 8 to 9 a.m., the group is seeking volunteers to help clean the streets surrounding Burks Bros Drywall at 1207 Badger St. in Yorkville. Those interested can call 630-400-2710. Green Connect is sponsored by the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce and aims to promote sustainable environmental practices by both area businesses and the community.

“I was inspired to volunteer because I care about environmental stewardship in our community,” Roskopf said. “The majority of our members participate in our projects because they are environmentally focused. That good passion is what brings us all together.”

Roskopf said the compassionate and caring bonds of the Yorkville community inspire her to keep giving back. She said to wear gloves and comfortable shoes because the busy street chosen for the cleanup has a lot of trash and debris that needs to be cleared away.

“It’s amazing how many different people come to our projects,” said Roskopf. “We have families who come regularly and always see new faces. We’ve learned that the children are really excited if you drop a few cents here and there.”

Purcell’s Ace Hardware donates pickers so volunteers don’t have to bend over and trash bags for cleanup. Green Connection provides volunteers with bright yellow t-shirts to help them stand out in the community.

Yorkville Green Connect partners with the Conservation Foundation, whose motto is, “We save land. We save rivers.” Roskopf said working with them is emblematic of her belief that if you want to change the world, the best place to start is right in your own backyard.

“It’s great to partner with them because they have more resources to best determine what areas and concerns need to be addressed in the community and how we can most efficiently achieve our goals. Together we can accomplish great things.”

Green Connect is hosted by the Green Committee the second Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce office, 26 W. Countryside Pkwy, Yorkville.