October 20, 2025
Another Successful Fall Clean-up Brings Together Oneida County Youth & Seniors
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the 15th Annual Oneida County Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up saw 600 youth volunteers service the homes of 100 seniors.
“Oneida County’s Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up is a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back,” Picente said. “These youth volunteers show their dedication by helping our seniors prepare for winter, lending a hand with tasks that are vital to the well-being of our elderly residents. I am incredibly proud of these young people, as well as the schools, colleges and organizations that made this initiative possible. Their efforts demonstrate the compassion and commitment that defines our community.”
The 15th Annual Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up was a collaboration between the Oneida County Youth Bureau, the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care and local colleges, school districts and youth organizations. Volunteers raked and collected leaves, swept porches, sidewalks and driveways and brought light refuse to the curb at the homes of seniors throughout the county.
Volunteers participated from Utica University baseball, softball, track & field and men’s wrestling, as well as Theta Phi Alpha, Chi Beta Sigma and Kappa Delta Phi sororities, the Organization of Justice Studies and the Young Scholars program; Mohawk Valley Community College Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society; New Hartford High School boys varsity soccer and boys junior varsity football; T.R. Proctor High School Key Club and Art Club; Utica Academy of Science; Clinton Middle School Student Council and National Junior Honor Society; Notre Dame National Honor Society, National Junior ROTC and varsity and modified football; Whitesboro Middle School; New York Mills Student Council; Camden High School sports; Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Interact Club; Sauquoit National Honor Society; Oriskany High School Key Club, Remsen High School National Honor Society; Waterville Student Council; St. Elizabeth College of Nursing; Safe Schools Mohawk Valley; Broadway Utica Youth Ambassador Program; Boy Scouts Troop 11; Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Michelle Kelly family.
“With the outpouring of support given by our youth and the supportive number of youth volunteers represented, these kids see the big picture,” said Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green. “Compassion for those in need, caring enough to do the work, and bringing joy to others are three characteristics these 600 youth volunteers brought to Oneida Counties senior citizen population.”
The 2025 Fall Clean-up took place on October 18-19.
During the Intergenerational Spring Clean-Up this past April, 465 youth volunteers serviced the homes of more than 100 senior citizens throughout the county.
The 2026 Intergenerational Spring Clean-Up is scheduled for April 18-19 and the 2026 Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up is scheduled for October 17-18. Any Oneida County colleges, school districts or youth organizations interested in volunteering should contact the Oneida County Youth Bureau at 315-798-5027. Any senior citizen interested in having their yard cleaned should contact the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care at 315-798-5456.
