Street of Dreams Needs Adoption—
Your Home or Group Can be in Charge

Turn your favorite street into a street of dreams by participating in Salem's Adopt-A-Street program. This is a great way to give to your community while enjoying the benefits of a cleaner street. And, as many of you know, the litter along our streets is washed into streams when it rains so keeping our streets clean is a step toward healthy streams. (The fish would say "thank you" if they could.)

Just imagine what 11,000 pounds of litter would look like along the streets of Salem! That's how much 1,600 volunteers have collected for more than 180 miles of streets in 2010. Why? Because they all wanted to help their community. How? They got involved in the Adopt-A-Street program. It's easier than you think—it only takes a phone call.

The Public Works program enables groups and individuals to take charge of a chosen street section and organize regular litter pickups. Their commitment is publicized with a roadside sign bearing their names. Volunteers are provided fluorescent safety vests, gloves, and bags, and the rubbish they collect is taken away by City crews.

Citizen groups have been involved with the program since it started in 1992. Currently there are 90 active groups involved in the program. Their dedication and continuing commitment are sincerely appreciated by all of us who enjoy the clean streets.

For information on the Adopt-A-Street program, call Leo Gonzalez at 503-589-2195.