West Cook News

The Town of Cicero has initiated its annual community cleanup drive, drawing volunteers from local schools, businesses, community organizations, and various town departments. The event is coordinated each year by Town Assessor Emilio “Emo” Cundari who oversees the volunteers' efforts to pick up litter and identify areas of graffiti for targeted removal.

The annual Cleanup Drive in Cicero has been recognized by numerous agencies, including the State of Illinois, for its effectiveness in not only tidying up the community but also fostering unity and improving relations among community members.

Cundari welcomed the volunteers and expressed gratitude to all participating organizations during the Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 11, 2024. This event marks a weeklong endeavor to amplify cleanup efforts within the community. Volunteers included students from Cicero School District 99 and Morton High School District 201. Officials from the Cicero Police Department, Cicero Fire Department, and other departments also contributed their time and effort.

Local businesses generously provided lunch for the volunteers. These included McDonald's, Steak & Egger, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Paisans Pizzaria, Waldo’s Pizzaria, Anthony’s Pizzaria, and Scatchell’s Beef ad Pizzaria.

Cicero Chaplain and Business License Director Ismael Vargas and Fire Chief Jeff Penzkofer were present to assist with coordinating the cleanup drive. Trustees Blanca Vargas and Victor Garcia actively participated in the event alongside other volunteers.

Vargas stated: “Every year we put together a great event to get the community to come out and clean. We work with non-profits, churches and non-government agencies to work together, to be united and to make a difference in our community.” He added that this initiative serves as an excellent opportunity for people to connect as a community. Vargas extended his thanks to President Larry Dominick, Assessor Emilio Cundari for coordinating the annual event, and all of the Town’s board of trustees for their support.

To view a video of the Cleanup Drive, visit https://newcicerotv.com/video/945559250. More photographs can be found on the Town of Cicero Facebook Page at: Facebook.com/TownofCicero.