HIGH POINT, N.C. -- People in High Point spent Saturday cleaning up their neighborhoods during the Summer Trash Smash.

  • Authorities went to different areas and gave gift cards to people cleaning up yards and streets
  • Cards were provided by different restaurants
  • Event encourages people to keep their neighborhoods clean

The event was created to encourage people to take pride in the cleanliness of their communities. It also works as a way to improve safety.

"Studies have shown that when areas are littered or not taken care of, there's a correlation of crime with that as well," High Point Beautification Supervisor Rebecca Coplin said.

Jerry Mingo agrees with her. He's lived in the area for more than 50 years. He spends many weekends outside cleaning up litter.

"A clean community invites clean thoughts. So it's just a community thing. Just, you know, being positive and having a better community," Mingo said.

The preplanned event was timely after two deadly shootings in High Point just a few days before. Although law enforcement had been in the neighborhoods all week, this time it for a positive reason.

They went around to different areas and gave gift cards to the people they saw cleaning up yards and streets.

"Sometimes we walk up to people and the first impression they get is 'Oh, what are you guys doing? You're the police.' We're saying 'Hey, no, we're here to reward you. You're doing something good, and we want to make sure that you're rewarded for it,' and at the same time we're showing a positive image for the police department," community outreach officer Jeff Boyd said.

He drove around to multiple neighborhoods Saturday, speaking to every person he saw doing outdoor work.

The gift cards were provided by dozens of restaurants in the area.

 

 

 

 

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