A local nonprofit needs volunteers to staff Neighbor Helping Neighbor, a new program to aid Taylor communities and create awareness about a city cleanup, sponsors said.

Launched in conjunction with the city, the Greater Taylor Community Foundation through NHN seeks supporters for April 11, Canvassing Day, to walk neighborhoods, share information and connect residents with resources before the launch April 25 of The Big Taylor Cleanup.

The NHN program “exists to restore stability, dignity and quality of life for Taylor-area residents by mobilizing local volunteers, businesses and partners to meet essential, smallscale needs that help people stay safe, connected and at home,” officials said in a release.

In addition, the Big Taylor Cleanup is a communitywide effort to beautify local neighborhoods and help residents fix the exterior of their properties. “As a local business owner, I hear from neighbors all the time about how hard it is to deal with large or heavy items — old appliances, broken furniture, even cars that have been sitting for years,” said Julie Downs, a business owner and GTCF board member.

Teams of volunteers with pickups, trailers and equipment are also requested for The Big Taylor Cleanup to help load and haul.

“For many residents, removing those items feels impossible. The Big Taylor Cleanup gives people real relief,” Downs said in the news release. “When volunteers help clear away the things that have become overwhelming, it restores safety, pride and peace of mind. That’s what Neighbor Helping Neighbor is all about.”

Volunteers can sign up for either or both events at VolunteerTaylor_ GivePulse and select “Big Taylor Cleanup.”

For questions about NHN or the Big Taylor Cleanup, email getinvolved@ greatertaylor. org. The foundation is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the well-being, dignity and quality of life of Taylor-area residents, officials said.

The city does not own, sponsor or run NHN, but participates as a partner, providing referrals, communication support and coordination, they added.

“The Big Taylor Cleanup gives people real relief.”

– Julie Downs

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