In preparation for their fourth annual spring clean-up on April 27 and 28, student leaders from Oxford Gives Back stopped by the March 13 board of education meeting to update officials on what they do for the community and why they do it. Caitlyn Geda and Emily McClear, two Oxford Schools Early College students, stood to present to the trustees.

“The goal is to build relationships and make connections,” McClear said. “We do that through yard work and visiting the homeless.”

The spring clean-up invites members of the community to spend a day serving their neighbors by doing yard work and getting the mess of winter and fall cleared out as the weather warms up.

For this year’s clean-up, the students are anticipating servicing at least 60 households and already have around 50 volunteers signed up. To try and get the whole community involved, McClear has been reaching out to other schools.

“We’re going to more of the schools and we’re hoping to bring the schools into a bigger role this year,” she said. “So, I have reached out to all of the principals and I meet with (some) staff.”

Aside from their sponsors, Oxford Gives Back also did a fund-raiser with You, Me, and Bubble Tea on March 13 and will be collecting bottles and cans all through this month. Those wishing to donate cans and bottles can return them to the high school or contact Oxford Gives Back at oxfordgivesback@gmail.com to schedule a pick-up.

During and following the presentation, many of the trustees voiced their pride in the program, which has been spear-headed by students since its inception.

“Building community is a huge thing, and to see high school students drive that has been thrilling to watch,” Board President Tom Donnelly said.

“(They are) very impressive young ladies,” Trustee Erick Foster later said. “All of this is wonderful but my key take away from listening to them talk was (that) they know their stuff… I would hire any of those girls in a second.”

Oxford Gives Back is still accepting sign ups for individuals to volunteer and households to be serviced.

Those interested can sign-up by contacting Oxford Gives Back or by visiting the website.