Recently Maplewood resident Bob Weidenbenner contacted Joe’s Place with a unique idea to host a Trash-a-thon. Bob explained that he enjoys walking and likes to keep the City streets clean of trash while doing so. Bob says, With the recent changes in our world I’ve found myself expanding these trash walks and they’ve become almost daily. During these walks Bob realized that his efforts might be able to raise awareness and funds for local non-profits, thus the Trash-a-Thon was born.
Bob Weidenbenner
“I’m pledging to keep picking up trash once a week for a year and in return, I’m asking for sponsors for my efforts. Sponsors simply give a donation to a charitable group that is working locally to improve our city. I’m asking for donations for this year to be made to either Cornerstone Center in the Shaw area of the city or Joe’s Place here in Maplewood or both. You can see what kind of services these places offer as well as donate to them on their websites. If you lack web access you can send a check, their mailing addresses are below. I’m asking the donation to be made in honor of “Trash-a-thon”. Both places will keep track of the donations for me. I’m not making a mailing list and have requested the same of both organizations, they may send a thank you note though. I’d like to see how much was raised but mainly would like to show potential volunteers that their work can have immediate as well as long term benefits in more ways than they might think.”
Bob collects trash in the area bounded by Zephyr on the north, Flora on the South, Sutton on the west and Marshall / Oakview Terrace on the east, as well as Rule near the railroad tracks. He has friends that took over their block of Oakview between Lohmeyer and Lyndover. If you live in that area and see Bob picking up trash, please thank him for caring so deeply about our community, children, and youth. If you are able, please take him up on his challenge by donating to the Trash-a thon:
Joe’s Place
PO Box 434057
Maplewood MO, 63143-9998
Joe’s Place works with homeless teenage boys in the MRH school district. Please make a check payable to Joe’s Place.
OR
Cornerstone Center
3901 Russell Blvd
St Louis MO, 63110
Cornerstone Center provides early daycare and pre-k learning services for many families that can’t afford it. Please make a check payable to Cornerstone Center.
Bob’s efforts have already raised much needed funds for Joe’s Place, helping cover the cost of a new washing machine. Hat’s off to Bob for using creative volunteerism to bring together a community and making it better for all!