Thousands volunteer to clean, sweep Chicago streets

CHICAGO (WLS) -- About five thousand people cleaned the streets of Chicago on Saturday, picking up garbage, sweeping sidewalks and pulling weeds.

About 250 community groups participated in the annual Clean and Green Day of Service throughout the city's neighborhoods.

In Pilsen, volunteers focused on Blue Island Avenue.

"We picked up all the weeds and cigars and beer bottles," said young worker Alex Anaya. "I like the fact we were doing something for the world."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel also came out to volunteer.

"This is exactly the type of thing people should see about the city of Chicago," Emanuel said. "Community, businesses, neighbors, residents coming together, giving our children a chance to improve their own neighborhood."

The participating groups picked the public places that needed the most attention. The city provided brooms, rakes and bags for each clean-up project.

The number of volunteer this year doubled, compared to last, city officials said.