Community is built through more than the places we visit every day. It grows through the care, attention, and effort people put back into those spaces. At Root 66, along with Ostara Cannabis and Cubano Cannabis, we believe that creating a stronger community means showing up and taking action.
That belief sparked the beginning of Clean Up Crew STL, a monthly initiative dedicated to helping beautify neighborhoods throughout the St. Louis area one block, sidewalk, and street corner at a time.
Every month, volunteers gather at a different location for a couple of hours of cleanup efforts focused on removing litter, clearing debris, and making shared spaces feel more welcoming. While the project is simple in nature, the impact reaches much further than a few trash bags.
Because when people care for a neighborhood together, something meaningful happens.
Why Community Cleanups Matter
Across cities nationwide, litter creates challenges that affect far more than appearance alone. Streets, sidewalks, parks, and public spaces can quickly become less welcoming when debris begins to build up.
At the same time, community cleanup projects have repeatedly shown that even small actions can create larger positive effects. Cleaner neighborhoods often lead to stronger community pride, increased local engagement, and a greater sense of connection among residents.
Additionally, public spaces play an important role in daily life. They are where neighbors walk, families spend time, and communities gather and as a result, maintaining those spaces benefits everyone.
For us, Clean Up Crew STL is about creating visible change while also strengthening local relationships.
More Than Cannabis, More Than Business
Root 66, Ostara Cannabis, and Cubano Cannabis all share a common belief that local businesses should actively support the communities around them.
As a Missouri-based dispensary and cannabis family of brands, we spend a lot of time connecting with people across the state. We partner with local stores, meet patients and customers, participate in events, and spend countless hours in neighborhoods throughout Missouri.
Because of that, giving back felt like a natural next step.
Furthermore, Clean Up Crew STL creates opportunities to connect outside traditional settings. Instead of gathering around products or promotions, people come together with a shared goal of improving spaces that belong to all of us.
That mission reflects values that matter deeply to us:
• Community care
• Local pride
• Positive action
• Neighborhood beautification
• Meaningful connection
What Happens During a Clean Up Crew Event?
The goal is simple!
Volunteers meet at a designated location, grab supplies, split into groups, and spend a couple of hours cleaning up surrounding streets and public areas.
No experience is needed and there is no pressure to commit to every event. Join one cleanup or come back each month – every contribution matters!
Participants can expect:
• Vests, trash bags, and cleanup supplies provided on site
• Friendly volunteers and community members
• A few hours outdoors making a visible impact
• Opportunities to meet people from across the St. Louis area
• A chance to leave a place better than you found it
Even a short amount of time can make a surprising difference!
Why We Are Taking This Across St. Louis
One of the most exciting parts of Clean Up Crew STL is that each cleanup rotates to a different area.
As a result, volunteers have opportunities to experience new neighborhoods while helping improve communities throughout the region.
St. Louis has incredible local character and from historic districts and business corridors to neighborhood gathering spots, every area has its own personality and story.
Through rotating locations, we hope to continue supporting many of the communities that support us and it allows us to continue expanding the impact over time while encouraging community participation in different parts of the city.
How You Can Join the Clean Up Crew
Community projects become stronger when more people participate!
Whether you are passionate about neighborhood beautification, looking for volunteer opportunities in St. Louis, or simply interested in spending a couple of hours doing something positive, we would love to have you join us!
You can participate by:
• Signing up for an upcoming cleanup
• Bringing friends or family members
• Sharing future event announcements
• Following along on social media for updates
• Returning for future cleanup dates
Every pair of hands helps.
To sign up for any of the following dates, click here to head to our registration form!
Saturday, May 16 – Root 66 on South Grand (3737 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118
Saturday, June 20 – SWADE on Cherokee (2316 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118)
Saturday, July 18 – SWADE in The Grove (4108 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110)
Saturday, August 15 – Kind Goods On the Hill (2652 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139)
Saturday, September 19 – SWADE on Delmar (6166 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112)
Saturday, October 17 – Root 66 Dogtown (6660 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139)
Looking Ahead
This initiative is still growing, and we are incredibly excited about what comes next!
Our goal extends beyond cleaning up litter – we hope to create recurring opportunities for people to connect, contribute, and feel proud of the neighborhoods around them.
St. Louis deserves care, our communities deserve investment, and positive change often starts with small actions repeated consistently over time.
One cleanup at a time, we are working together to make a difference!
We hope to see you at the next Clean Up Crew STL event!
