Another Successful Fall Clean-up Brings Together Oneida County Youth & SeniorsView

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the 14^th Annual Oneida County Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up saw 470 youth volunteers service the homes of 105 seniors.

"Oneida County's Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up is a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back," Picente said. "These youth volunteers show their dedication by helping our seniors prepare for winter, lending a hand with tasks that are vital to the well-being of our elderly residents. I am incredibly proud of these young people, as well as the schools, colleges and organizations that made this initiative possible. Their efforts demonstrate the compassion and commitment that defines our community."

The 14th Annual Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up was a collaboration between the Oneida County Youth Bureau, the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care and local colleges, school districts and youth organizations. Volunteers raked and collected leaves, swept porches, sidewalks and driveways and brought light refuse to the curb at the homes of seniors throughout the county.

Volunteers participated from Utica University baseball, wrestling, track & field, field hockey, softball and women's soccer, as well as the Health Science Student Society, Organization of Justice Studies, Alpha Chi Rho fraternity and Chi Beta Sigma, Kappa Delta Phi, Theta Phi Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities; Mohawk Valley Community College's Holistic Student Support, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Bobby Rogan; New Hartford District 12 Tributes; T.R. Proctor High School Key Club, Young Scholars Program and Business Law/Government; Utica Academy of Science's Kaitlyn Rose; Clinton Middle School Student Council and National Junior Honor Society; Notre Dame High School National Honor Society and National Junior ROTC; Whitesboro Central School District's Marcy Elementary and PTO; New York Mills Student Council; Camden High School sports; Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Interact Club; Sauquoit National Honor Society; Oriskany High School Key Club, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley and the Vanno Family.

"With the outpouring of support given by our youth and the supportive number of youth volunteers represented, these kids see the big picture," said Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green. "Compassion for those in need, caring enough to do the work, and bringing joy to others are three characteristics these 470 youth volunteers brought to Oneida Counties senior citizen population."

The 2024 Fall Clean-up took place on October 19 and Oct. 20.

During the Intergenerational Spring Clean-Up this past April, 305 youth volunteers serviced the homes of more than 85 senior citizens throughout the county.

The 2025 Intergenerational Spring Clean-Up is scheduled for April 12 and April 13 and the 2025 Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up is scheduled for October 18 and October 19. Any Oneida County colleges, school districts and youth organizations interested in volunteering should contact the Oneida County Youth Bureau at 315-798-5027. Any senior citizen interested in having their yard cleaned should contact the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care at 798-5456.