National Arab American Service Day encourages Arab American communities to give back through service. Held in the spring of each year, organizations from various cities establish local partnerships and organize unique projects under the motto of “Serving Communities, Connecting People.”
On Saturday May 14th, Arab American Family Services and the Network of Arab American Professionals teamed up with Alliance for the Great Lakes to organize the 12th Annual National Arab American Service Day in Chicago. Over 30 volunteers came together in the rain to clean up Calumet Beach. Over the course of 3 hours, volunteers collected over 200 lbs of trash from the beach. “Its great to see how much of an impact this could have. You don’t expect it until you hear it from the people who live there,” a volunteer mentioned.
A study in 2014 mentioned that most of the trash found on Lake Michigan comes from visitors, rather than natural sources. Each beach has trash cans surrounding the area. The Chicago Park District empties out each trashcan every day, ensuring there is always a place to throw your trash.
It is our duty to care for our environment. The animals that call that beach home and the people that live in the area greatly appreciate it.
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