A California retiree began picking up litter alone on daily walks in 2020; six years later, her volunteer group has removed about 750,000 pounds of trash and now organises valley-wide cleanups

Life always has a purpose, and the fun part is that you get to decide it. You can spend a fine morning sleeping through it or volunteering your time for a purpose. For Jill Mather her retirement wasn’t going as planned. After decades of working 80-hour weeks in the restaurant business, she had dreamt of travelling, relaxing and spending time with old friends. But soon, COVID-19 struck and Jill was itching to do something.“I can take a long walk at least,” she told herself one morning, and headed out to stroll 4 miles through her San Fernando neighbourhood. She did it again the next day, but as she walked block after block, she noticed there was litter everywhere — cans, bottles and trash. The next morning she grabbed numerous plastic grocery bags and headed out on her walk with a renewed purpose. “That’s a great idea,” neighbours called out when they spotted Jill picking up trash. After a few days, she wondered, Would others like to walk with me?Excited, she posted on the Nextdoor app: ‘I walk every morning and pick up trash. If you want to join, meet me in front of the coffee shop at 8 AM’. The next day, she was stunned to see a dozen people show up. She handed out bags and together, they cleaned up a nearby park.When they were all done, they went for a coffee. “When can we do this again?” everyone asked. Soon, every morning, Jill and a rotating crew gathered for two hours of walking and cleaning. She named her group Volunteers Cleaning Communities. They turned in recyclables found on streets, parks and a stretch of State Route 118 and used the cash to buy heavy-duty bags, vests and backpacks.After COVID restrictions lifted, more than 100 people began showing up at least once a week. To keep things interesting, Jill also organised a game night every third month and a monthly birthday celebration. VCC members have formed close friendships. One couple even met, fell in love and got married.“They are my new family,” says Emilie Koster, a former UCLA volunteer. “When COVID struck, we volunteers were the first to be sent home. Then I heard about VCC. It’s easier to do something meaningful when you’re with like-minded people.” Over the past six years, VCC members have removed and disposed of nearly three-quarters of a million pounds of trash. “And that doesn’t include the larger items we set out for the city,” Jill said to Woman’s World. “We get exercise, improve the community and make friends. It’s a win all around.”