ausline_paris_web.jpgThe Little Haiti Optimist Club announced it will host the “Little Haiti Keeping it Clean & Green” beautification project on Oct. 23, with volunteers checking in and  registering at 5430 NE First Court in the Miami neighborhood.

The goal is to beautify the Little Haiti area, as well as educate the community on the importance of recycling and the use of green and energy efficient products, organizers said.

Upon arrival, volunteers will be treated to a continental breakfast and given clean-up supplies and their assignment for the day.

Volunteers will go door to door to provide residents with information on green and energy efficient products and several residents will get energy efficient light bulbs for their homes.

Optimist Club members will also identify an elderly person or persons or a needy family living in the Little Haiti community and perform light cleaning of their home using green products and offer energy efficient solutions.

The volunteers will paint the exterior of two homes in need of a makeover and plant flowers, shrubs and an herb garden.

“We have already identified two homes in the area in need of painting,” said Ausline Paris, secretary of the Optimist Club who also chairs the Little Haiti Keeping it Clean & Green initiative. “Not only do we want to make a difference in the lives of youth; we also want to make a difference in the community.”

Some of the volunteers will be students from neighboring schools who will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of “going green” while taking pride in cleaning up the community in which they live.

This project is made possible with the help of the club’s partners: the city of Miami, the City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team office, the State Department of Health, The Miami Dolphins, PepsiCo, Lowe’s, Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council and Green Label, a green company and member of the club.

The Little Haiti Optimist Club is a non-profit organization established by a group of business, community and civic leaders to provide assistance and guidance to the youth of Little Haiti. 

The organization is affiliated with Optimist International, an association of more than 3,000 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to “Bringing out the Best in Kids.”

The mission of the local group is to make a difference in the lives of youth by providing education, mentorship, athletics outlets, arts and cultural programming.  It is aiming to become the premier organization providing programs to prepare the youth of Little Haiti for academic and life excellence.

Its programs and activities include a Book Bag & School Supplies Giveaway; Mentorship Program; LHOC Career/Stay In School Day; REEL Opportunities Film Program; Brush Strokes ART Program; LHOC Reads; Turkey Giveaway; Toy Drive/Toys Giveaways.

Athletic programs include soccer, football, wrestling, tennis, basketball, golf and track & field.