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ALTON/GODFREY - Pride Inc. is seeking volunteers for a community cleanup scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at registration stations in the Downtown Alton area, Middletown and North Alton, rain or shine, as organizers work to address litter in areas needing attention.
Participants may choose their preferred cleanup area. Volunteers can pick up a donut, free gloves and bags, and receive directions at three registration stations: downtown Alton at 200 W. 3rd St., at the corner of 3rd and Belle streets; Middletown at Hellrung Park, with entrance at 7th and Central avenues; and North Alton at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church parking lot, across from Taqueria Maya.
Pat Stewart, executive director of Pride Inc., said she is hoping to get more volunteers as the cleanup day gets closer and said the litter problem “is not going away.” Stewart said organizers are working to get into schools, collaborate with St. Mary’s Catholic School and other schools and involve students.
Stewart said the community cleanup has been going on for a while, and is in need of volunteers for the Saturday, Oct. 3, date.
Christine Favilla of the Sierra Club and its volunteers and Sara McGibany and Alton Main Street volunteers have been fixtures in the cleanup from the start with advocacy, work and collaboration around the cleanup. Stewart said it is “not just a Pride thing.” She said organizers have discussed changing the name to “Community Cleanup” and encouraged people to clean up on their own if they cannot participate in the organized event.
Stewart said the cleanup can make a noticeable difference. She cited litter such as cigarette butts, broken beer bottles and other trash, and said people should consider keeping a litter bag in their cars.
Organizers said they are looking for more collaboration with the community and are working to get businesses involved.
Stewart said Pride Inc. is not looking for new large projects, but wants to maintain what it has, join with other groups and be “a more collaborative community.” She said youth involvement has continued to grow as part of efforts to get schools involved.
Organizers said reminders have been posted on Facebook and that reminders also have been sent to last year’s participants. They also said volunteers should not all gather in the same areas and that many streets need attention.
Groups that need supplies before the cleanup may pick them up two weeks prior at the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau or at the Pride Inc. office inside Benjamin Godfrey Mansion on Godfrey Road.
To sign up:
Click here for information for the cleanup
or call the Pride Inc., office at (618) 467-2375.
