The Block Gives Back kicked off its annual 4 Blocks in 4 Weeks street cleaning series last weekend.
The Block Gives Back continued its good deeds on Saturday, kicking off its third annual 4 Blocks in 4 Weeks street-cleaning series.
The group, made up mostly of 20-something guys who have been friends since their days at Abraham Lincoln High School, cleaned up the 5500 block of Spruce St., along with adjacent Allison Street and a lot, in West Philadelphia.
In all, the group hauled away four tires and filled more than 60 bags with trash, dirt, tree limbs, weeds, loose pieces of wood and concrete and other debris.
After cleaning for several hours in the morning, the party continued in the afternoon. Neighbors were treated to pizza, Insomnia cookies and soft pretzels.
Kids received T-shirts and were able to ride bikes, chalk the street and play basketball, football, dodgeball, Frisbee and double dutch.
DJ Muddy Taylor played music, and kids competed in dance battles.
Besides cleaning streets, the Block Gives Back feeds the homeless each month and has given them toiletries and clothing. The group has also held a “Stop the Violence” three-on-three basketball tournament, distributed school bags and supplies to children, cleaned and painted Dorsey Playground in Tacony and hosted a Peace & Play Day at Carmella Playground in Frankford.
On the next three Saturdays, the Block Gives Back will clean the 2000 block of E. Madison St. in Kensington, the 2100 block of Carver St. in Wissinoming and the 2800 block of N. 26th St. in North Philadelphia.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages or email theblockgivesback@gmail.com ••
