Thirty minutes east from the Niagara Falls is the city of Lockport, New York. It’s named after a set of Erie Canal locks found in the city. Within the friendly community with historic roots are seen volunteers from the WeLoveU Foundation. Forty volunteers traveled north from Buffalo, NY to participate in a cleanup on October 7, 2018.
How It All Began
Arriving in Lockport by 10 a.m., they drove to South Street where they stopped in front of an abandoned building. Next door neighbors refer to it as an eyesore because of its unpleasant graffiti on every wall as well as the weeds and dead shrubs that surround it.
Because of their concern, the building was brought up in recent town hall meetings. Residents asked for assistance to clean up the area. However, at the time, resources were limited and coordinating enough volunteers became a challenge.
When the WeLoveU Foundation heard about their concern, volunteers sprang into action. They saw this as a golden opportunity to bring happiness to the Lockport residents. With bright smiles and bright blue shirts that read WeLoveU, the volunteers covered the graffiti with a fresh coat of paint. Another team pulled up the weeds and removed the dead shrubs. They brightened the atmosphere by planting colorful perennial flowers. Also, volunteers picked up trash and litter along the walkways.
A Special Guest From Lockport Council
Among the volunteers came a special guest—Kelly VanDeMark, Lockport’s Alderwoman of the fourth ward. She wore a WeLoveU shirt and helped alongside volunteers. Afterward, she shared a heartfelt message with the group.
“I’m proud to be an Alderwoman for the fourth ward for the city of Lockport and we’re definitely fortunate to have this organization here today and I’m absolutely amazed by the positivity and sense the of community that I felt in just a short time so thank you again for all your volunteerism and your hard work and I definitely look forward to seeing this spread in our community.”
Alderwoman VanDeMark
Alderwoman VanDeMark [center] 
Ron Tuohey—an Assistant Store Manager at a Lowe’s in Williamsville, NY, who lives on South Street—expressed his appreciation by bringing landscaping materials. He also participated in beautifying the area with the WeLoveU volunteers.
Overall, it was a meaningful event bringing residents, local store managers, and Lockport officials together. Everyone had the same goal in mind: beautify South Street and share neighborly love through volunteerism. The WeLoveU Foundation plans to continue working with the city of Lockport on future projects, including building a playground in the neighborhood.
0 thoughts on “Lockport’s South Street Is Spruced up by WeLoveU Volunteers”
Awesome work guys!! We love u!!
I am always inspired to do more in my community when I see people sacrifice their time for others. Thank you for sharing good news and being a good example as well!
Very moved by the actions of these volunteers. Great job!
They look happy. I like it
Thank You We Love U Foundation for such amazing work in bringing the community together through this clean-up. You are truly amazing and kind people. I am so proud to be a member of the We Love U Foundation!
Wow this is amazing to see such a great group working together to help out the community. Keep up the good work!!!
Wow! The WELOVEU Foundation will move and shock the world with their hard work and efforts.
Great job guys, we need more people like you in the Lockport community. Thanks for working hard and for beautifying our community.
This is an AMAZING organization! Awesome group of people from all backgrounds come together and that’s what the world needs! Best Ever! We Love You!
This is such an amazing group of volunteers. I’m always inspired by their works ! 😊
I am so happy to see a positive impact on the community. Truly the We Love U Foundation cares for making the world a beautiful place.