SUNY Brockport students volunteered on Earth Day, spending two hours picking up trash along the Erie Canal Trail and in the canal, which remained drained for the winter. They found litter, including glass and cans. 

Melissa Szurgyi, the event coordinator, said the aim of the clean-up was to clean the canal and to provide a way for SUNY Brockport to give back to the community. 

“This event is important because it brings our community together to do good deeds,” Szurgyi said. “As we near the warm weather, and people will be getting out enjoying the canal, it’s important that it stays clean and maintained.” 

Student volunteers noted that the event was a way to give back to the Brockport community. Jamie Hoffman, a student volunteer, said there aren’t many opportunities to help the community. 

“We do not get a lot of opportunities like this, so the fact that this was open to us is really big,” Hoffman said. “I’ve been looking for an opportunity to help the community for a really long time.” 

Hannah Drawled, another student volunteer, said the event made her feel like she was giving back. 

“It gives you a sense of pride in your community to know that you’re making a difference and helping it out,” Drawled said. “Hopefully, more people will see us doing this and want to do it too.” 

Drawled said she wanted to help protect the environment and keep public areas clean. 

“I just think it’s really important that we take care of the Earth,” Drawled said. “I think it’s kind of sad just seeing all the trash.” 

Aidan Nassimos said that the event was a way to meet people in the community and pick up trash at the same time. 

“Community is where I find that you get to talk to people and find out what they’re about,” Nassimos said. “This is an event where you can help clean up around you, so it’s a win-win.” 

Jamie Hoffman also had a similar belief about getting rid of trash to help the environment. 

“I feel like it’s really important,” Hoffman said. “I see a lot of stuff all over the place. If you try to keep it as clean as possible, even a small amount helps.”