Over 40 ASEZ university student volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God joined together to clean Herring Run Park in Baltimore. Students from five different universities in Maryland partnered with the Director of Partnerships at Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Fran Spero, to care for this well-loved park in the heart of the city.
The cleanup was part of ASEZ’s worldwide Reduce Crime Together campaign. This campaign is based on studies showing that visible disorder, like litter or graffiti, can increase crime rates. By cleaning public spaces, ASEZ volunteers aim to reduce these signs of disorder and make neighborhoods safer.
Support from the Community and Volunteers
Following Heavenly Mother’s example of love and care, the ASEZ students decided to give back to the community through a park cleanup. Their goal was to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming place for their neighbors. They also hoped to inspire unity and happiness within the community through small acts of service.
With this goal in mind, the students removed 25 bags of trash and debris from the playground, trail, football field, and stream areas. They also clipped invasive vines that were damaging trees and blocking parts of the trail. Even though the volunteers came from different schools, they worked together with unity and joy.
People walking through the park noticed the volunteers working hard and thanked them. One local resident who often visits the park even joined the cleanup. Afterward, he said, “I could not have had a better day. The young people were energetic, thoughtful, and worked in teams. They did an amazing job.”
Fran Spero, Director of Partnerships at Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, also praised the students. “They are magnificent. I mean, I work with a lot of groups through the volunteer office and I have to say these young people that were here today, they showed such excitement, enthusiasm; they were hard-working, [and] they worked as a team,” said Spero. “It was just such a pleasure to work with this group.”
Towards a Happier Maryland, One Cleanup at a Time
After the cleanup, children began playing on the newly cleaned playground, and families enjoyed the park again.
Seeing this made the ASEZ students happy and thankful. They hope their small effort will inspire others to join in caring for their communities. Their work to share Heavenly Mother’s love and create a safer, happier Maryland will continue—one cleanup at a time.
To view more volunteer events, please visit the ASEZ activities page.
