Q&A: Brentwood's Clean Streets Committee

Q&A: MARCOS MALDONADO

Job: Director of Development, Youth Enrichment Services

Community: Brentwood

What he's up to

Why did you start the Clean Streets Committee?To clean up trash and graffiti in Brentwood and Central Islip, to get communities to care about themselves again.

What impact do you think you have made?Clean Streets has had a tremendous social and environmental impact. We've been able to get an entire community to be aware of its graffiti problem.

What events have you organized?We've hosted five events in Brentwood and Central Islip. In total, we have brought about 800 to 900 people to volunteer, pick up tons of trash and paint fences.

What are your future hopes for these projects?Can we make this a townwide effort? Can we have any of the hamlets within Islip look at their issues and say: Can we take care of this ourselves? If you can, then you're empowered.

How can people help?Instead of seeing that piece of trash two feet away from them, in front of their house, or on the sidewalk, they will pick it up and throw it out. Just be aware. Take two seconds to pick up the trash next to you.