She Started Picking Up Litter on Walks—Now Jill Mather’s Volunteer Group Has Removed 750,000 Pounds of Trash
Jill Mather’s daily walks inspired neighbors to help clean their community—removing 750,000 pounds of trash
After Jill Mather started picking up litter during her daily walks, it sparked a volunteer movement that’s now removed 750,000 pounds of trash! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.
Jill Mather’s retirement wasn’t going as planned. After decades of 80-hour weeks in the restaurant business, she had dreamed of traveling, relaxing and spending time with old friends. But then COVID-19 struck, and Jill started going stir-crazy.
“I can take a long walk at least,” she told herself one morning, and headed out to stroll 4 miles through her San Fernando neighborhood. She did it again the next day, but as she walked block after block, she noticed there was litter everywhere — cans, bottles and trash.
“As long as I’m out here…” she said the next morning, grabbing several plastic grocery bags and heading out with renewed purpose.
“That’s a great idea,” neighbors called out when they spotted Jill picking up trash. After a few days, she wondered, Would others like to walk with me?
Inspired, Jill posted on the Nextdoor app: I walk every morning and pick up trash. If you want to join, meet me in front of the coffee shop at 8 AM.
Jill was stunned when a dozen people showed up. She handed out bags, and they cleaned up a nearby park. When they were done, they went for coffee. “When can we do this again?” they all asked.
Every morning, Jill and a rotating crew gathered for two hours of walking and cleaning. She named her group Volunteers Cleaning Communities. They turned in recyclables found on streets, parks and a stretch of State Route 118, and used the cash to buy heavy-duty bags, vests and backpacks.
After COVID restrictions lifted, more than 100 people began showing up at least once a week. Jill also organized a game night every third month and a monthly birthday celebration. VCC members have formed close friendships. One couple even met, fell in love and got married.
“They are my new family,” says Emilie Koster, a former UCLA volunteer. “When COVID struck, we volunteers were the first to be sent home. Then I heard about VCC. It’s easier to do something meaningful when you’re with like-minded people.”
Over the past six years, VCC members have removed and disposed of nearly three-quarters of a million pounds of trash. “And that doesn’t include the larger items we set out for the city,” Jill says proudly. “We get exercise, improve the community and make friends. It’s a win all around.”
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