A Day of Service: Huntsville Comes Together for National Cleanup Day
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Holmes Park was buzzing with energy on September 19 as more than 220 volunteers braved a sweltering 100+ degree day to support National Cleanup Day and help keep Huntsville litter‑free. Thanks to strong community turnout—including students, alumni, and representatives from Alabama A&M University and Leidos—the event made a visible impact across the Holmes Avenue area.
Supported by TVA grant funding, Green Team staff Niki Sothers, Joel Donelan, Lamond Nabors, Dan Waldrop, Erin Norton and Boris Harper equipped volunteers with cleanup supplies, water stations, snacks and special recognition letters for student participants.
“Seeing students, families, local partners and neighbors working side‑by‑side reminds us why community engagement matters,” Manager of Green Team Niki Sothers said. “When people come together with a shared purpose, the impact is immediate and inspiring.”
Despite the heat, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work, collecting 265 bags of garbage. They also returned three abandoned grocery carts, spruced up curb and gutters, sidewalks, the Terry Heights Neighborhood, Huntsville Housing Authority property and the surrounding rights‑of‑way. Whew! All participants stayed hydrated and well snacked, thanks to Green Team staff.
“National Cleanup Day is proof that when our community shows up, real change happens,” Sothers said. “Every volunteer who stepped forward helped make Holmes Park brighter, cleaner and more welcoming for everyone. Their dedication is what keeps Huntsville beautiful.”
The event was not only a cleanup, but it was also a powerful demonstration of community pride, partnership and perseverance. And like all good events, it offered valuable lessons for future planning. Staff noted the need for more active parking directions, especially near the entrance, where vehicles could have been guided to park along the road to improve traffic flow.
Green Team extends a heartfelt thank‑you to every volunteer who showed up, worked hard and helped make Holmes Park shine. Your dedication keeps Huntsville beautiful and inspires others to join the ongoing movement for a #LitterFreeHSV.