PORTSMOUTH, Va. — More than 100 volunteers with the Portsmouth organization "ROC The Block" worked to better the Prentis Park neighborhood Wednesday.
As the name states, organizers work to "Reclaim Our Community."
Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover said the volunteers had two goals: to clean up the neighborhood and engage with community members.
The cleanup efforts lasted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mayor Glover said volunteers also talk to ask people in the area how they'd like to see their neighborhood improved.
"...We don't just talk about caring from City Hall," Mayor Glover said. "We're out here in the community working with the members of the Portsmouth family, our citizens to make it a better place to live, work and play."
Portsmouth City Manager Steven Carter echoed that sentiment.
"We understand the plight that they have, and that we're here to listen to what they have to say, but not just listen...show up and let them know that we're going to make a difference in their lives."
Carter said the next stop is the Truxton neighborhood in September.
