A few hundred volunteers from the International WeLoveU Foundation’s New Jersey and Philadelphia chapters recently teamed up with state Rep. Jared Solomon to conduct a cleanup of streets surrounding the site of the airplane crash on Cottman Avenue.
The volunteers removed more than 4,000 pounds of trash and debris.
“The WeLoveU army is out in full force,” Solomon said. “I love you all.”
Solomon lauded the heroic actions of firefighters, police officers and other first responders following the Jan. 31 plane crash. He also praised “neighbors helping neighbors” – noting the amount of food, housing and comfort that was offered to those impacted.
Solomon also cited the work of the business community, nonprofits and the city, state and federal governments.
WeLoveU’s volunteer efforts show the people affected by the crash are not forgotten, according to Solomon.
“Your presence means everything to us,” he said.
Others in attendance included state Reps. Anthony Bellmon and Sean Dougherty; Tom Forkin, chief of staff for City Councilman Mike Driscoll; and Lisa Borine, an aide to state Sen. Tina Tartaglione.
Bellmon said the issues surrounding the crash couldn’t be settled in a day, week or month, adding that WeLoveU’s commitment “means the world to the community and the world to me.”
Solomon has partnered with WeLoveU in the past for tree plantings; a new park at Cranford, Loretto and Magee avenues; and cleanups at Northeast High School and Tarken and Max Myers recreation centers.
For more information, visit weloveuusa.org. ••
