Power of Service: Bridgeton’s Strengths Shine on MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a powerful reminder that every community holds tremendous strengths — and that each of us is able to help those strengths shine. On this day, we honor Dr. King’s belief that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve” by working together to create meaningful, positive change where it’s needed most. 

One accessible and impactful way people contribute to their neighborhoods is through community cleanups. A cleaner environment not only improves public spaces but also encourages others to care for the places they call home. With consistent effort and supportive policy, cultural norms around litter can shift — helping all residents enjoy healthier, safer, and more vibrant surroundings. ​

This year, the Littoral Society and our partners at Southeast Gateway Community Action Partnership and United Advocacy were awarded a small grant from the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission to host a community cleanup in Bridgeton  where we’ve long collaborated on green stormwater infrastructure projects.  ​

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Although we also participate in the city’s biannual cleanups, this grant gave us the opportunity to try something new. Working closely with Public Works, we selected an illegal dumping site on a small street off Pamphylia Avenue — a location the community identified as a priority for improvement. 
 
Despite the snowfall on Saturday, January 17, more than 30 volunteers showed up with enthusiasm and determination, including a troop of local Girl Scouts and teens from the Boys & Girls Club Keystone Club. Together, they filled an entire 30-yard dumpster with debris — a remarkable accomplishment that reflects the community’s resilience and shared commitment to a healthier environment. 
 
Along the way, volunteers uncovered some memorable items, including a classic Nokia brick phone and even a treadmill, bringing some laughter to an otherwise cold and challenging job.  
 
Thanks to everyone’s hard work, the site now looks dramatically cleaner and more cared for, highlighting what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. 

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