CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Saturday is Greater Englewood Unity Day, bringing hundreds of volunteers from around the city to beautify the South Side community.
Unity Day was started by the non-profit “Imagine Englewood If” in 2012.
Organized by the Unity Day Planning Committee consisting of aldermen, residents, community members, and more, Greater Englewood Unity Day is the largest community cleanup on the South Side of Chicago.
Imagine Englewood If Executive Director Michelle Rashad said back when it started in 2012, there were a couple dozen volunteers cleaning up a couple blocks. This year, there are about 300 volunteers, 40 organizations, corporate involvement, and a commitment to cleaning up 100 blocks and vacant lots across Englewood, beautify the Jean Carter-Hill Community Garden, and provide Englewood youth with environmental education.
She encourages more volunteers.
The group will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at Nicholson Stem Academy at 60th and Peoria.
In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Imagine Englewood If (IEi) joined the support system of 45 families and engaged 75 youth in their four youth programs and out-of-school-time camps. Additionally, IEi continues to provide e-learning support during the school year and also launched the Englewood Strong program providing 85,000+ pounds of food and 50,000+ essential items to 833 Englewood residents and families in need.
Imagine Englewood If was started in 1997. The youth development nonprofit organization offers year-round enrichment programs for youth ages 6-18 that include the Imagination Explorers After-School Program, Kids on the Move Summer Day Camp, all girl Progressionista Book Club and teen leadership focused Growing Citizen Leaders program.
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