New Vancouver Supply Hub Makes Community Cleanups More Accessible Across Southwest Washington (Photo) - 06/15/26
Portland, Ore., June 15, 2026 – More than 100 volunteers came together on Friday, June 12 for Pick It Up, Vancouver!, and helped launch an expanded effort to support community-led cleanups throughout Southwest Washington. Collectively, they removed approximately 400 pounds of trash from downtown Vancouver and surrounding neighborhoods, filling a 3-yard dumpster.
Hosted in partnership with Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, the event brought together residents, businesses, and community groups to care for one of Vancouver's most beloved gathering spaces ahead of a busy summer season and upcoming Pride celebrations.
The event also highlighted Dandelion Teahouse's new role as a SOLVE Supply Hub, making free litter cleanup supplies more accessible to volunteers and community leaders across Southwest Washington. Individuals can borrow litter grabbers, bags, gloves, and safety vests to host their own cleanup events and care for their neighborhoods year-round.
"Today's turnout demonstrates how much people care about keeping Vancouver clean, welcoming, and vibrant," said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "We're excited to continue growing our presence in Southwest Washington and to partner with organizations like Dandelion Teahouse that help remove barriers to volunteer action. The new supply hub creates opportunities for more community-led cleanups and empowers people to make a difference whenever they see a need."
As Vancouver and surrounding communities continue to grow, local cleanups play an important role in preventing litter from reaching waterways, protecting wildlife, and creating healthier public spaces for everyone. By expanding access to cleanup supplies, SOLVE hopes to support more grassroots volunteer efforts throughout the region.
Dandelion Teahouse joins a network of SOLVE supply hubs outside Portland that serve as convenient pickup locations for cleanup equipment, helping volunteers transform their ideas for cleaner neighborhoods into action.
Pick It Up! is SOLVE's regional cleanup initiative that brings residents, businesses, and community organizations together to improve shared public spaces city-by-city. Following successful events in Portland, Vancouver, Milwaukie, Bend, Medford, and the upcoming inaugural Pick It Up, Salem! event this July, the program continues to expand opportunities for community involvement across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
SOLVE extends its gratitude to all volunteers, community partners, and supporters who contributed to today's success and helped create a cleaner, more welcoming Vancouver.
Pick It Up, Vancouver! is sponsored by Fred Meyer, PepsiCo, and Lithia & Driveway.
About SOLVE
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
