On a sunny Sunday morning, YSC members gathered in the Mission District for a community neighborhood cleanup with Manny’s. Going in, there was some concern about navigating the area, given the presence of homeless encampments and trash-filled streets, but the experience turned out to be much better than expected. In fact, our group even got to walk through a beautiful alley filled with colorful murals, making the cleanup both meaningful and visually rewarding.
The cleanup itself lasted about 40 minutes, and we were well-equipped with safety vests, gloves, trash pick-up tongs, and trash bags. It was inspiring to see so many people—including kids—joining in to help keep the neighborhood clean.
Once the work was done, we took full advantage of the perks offered to volunteers, turning the morning into a fun neighborhood exploration. First, we grabbed a free coffee, followed by a stop at a charming wine bar for a complimentary glass of wine. From there, we enjoyed fresh pupusas, before finishing off the day with delicious 2-for-1 empanadas and a stop at a local brewery for 2-for-1 beers.
What started as a simple cleanup turned into an amazing Sunday—giving back to the community, discovering new local spots, and spending quality time with the YSC crew. Definitely an experience worth repeating!
