On Saturday, April 18 2009, Congressman Brian Higgins and Assemblyman Mark Schroeder will kick off Earth Week 2009 with a beach sweep lead by Hands On Greater Buffalo, WNY AmeriCorps, and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper at Gallagher Beach at 8:30am. Volunteers will arrive at 8:30am for the short reception before spreading across the beach and ridding it of debris and litter, creating a safe environment for beach goers. The Gallagher Beach Sweep will complete 12 noon.

“It’s great to be with WNY AmeriCorps for a beach sweep along Buffalo’s waterfront again this year as we kick off Earth Week and National Volunteer Week. Our local AmeriCorps team, under the leadership of Mark Lazzara, is an inspiring crew that continues to set an example of the great benefits that come from service to one’s community.” -Congressman Brian Higgins

The Gallagher Beach Sweep is one of six Hands On Greater Buffalo & WNY AmeriCorps “Earth Week 2009” events and one of many waterway clean-ups lead by Riverkeeper across WNY on April 18.

WNY AmeriCorps creates opportunities for all individuals to serve, challenging citizens to turn their ideals into action and their passion into positive change. Through transformational service and civic responsibility, WNY AmeriCorps is designing a sustainable future for our nation’s communities.

Hands On Greater Buffalo is an initiative of WNY AmeriCorps which seeks to bring people together to strengthen communities through meaningful volunteer action. As part of a rapidly growing and innovative volunteer engagement network, Hands On Greater Buffalo focuses on leveraging the talents of our volunteers to most effectively meet critical needs in our communities and make a difference in the lives of others.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is a not-for-profit organization that uses legal, scientific, and policy tools to defend the Niagara river region, ensuring clean water, healthy environments, and access to those waters, for life and play.