The Mount Vernon Department of Public Works organized the first ever event called Team Up, Clean Up that targeted specific areas of the city, including all entryways into Mount Vernon.

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, who joined in on the action, says the cleanup is about more than just beautifying the city: It's about bringing the community together.

"It's about community cohesion, it's about supporting the residents and taking care of their neighborhoods, and it's about partnership. This is not just the community doing it or the government doing it, but us coming together to take care of our community," Patterson-Howard said.

Residents were also able to do a little cleanup of their own.

Recycling and bulk waste items such as furniture and appliances can be left out Saturday for pickup.