Here’s How You Can Help South, West Side Businesses Hit Hard By Looting, Vandalism

CHICAGO — My Block, My Hood, My City is looking for volunteers to help repair businesses damaged this weekend on the South Side.

The South Side has been hit hard by people who broke into, stole from and vandalized businesses over the weekend. Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, is now collecting funds and signing up volunteers to help those businesses make repairs.

“Out-of-state looters have taken hammers and batons to our communities, breaking windows of small businesses and spraying graffiti, using this crisis as an opportunity to tear down Black communities,” the organization wrote on its website. “Funds raised will go directly towards the repair of small businesses.”

Those interested in donating can do so online. People who want to volunteer to help South Side businesses can sign up online.

The organization has also created an online form so business owners can request help.

Here are more cleanup efforts happening citywide. Block Club will update this list as we confirm more cleanup events:

Ald. Harry Osterman’s 48th Ward office is organizing a donation drive for Far North Side neighbors to support clean up efforts in Austin and West Garfield Park. The drive starts Wednesday. Supplies will be donated to Ald. Emma Mitts’ office in the 40th Ward. Find out more here.

The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce is coordinating volunteers and asking for residents to donate supplies. Trash bags, brooms, shovels, and gloves are welcome. Read more on how to get involved here.

The South Shore Chamber and the Neighborhood Network Alliance have organized a cleanup of the area Monday morning. The cleanup runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and will start in the parking lot of the South Shore Chamber headquarters, 1750 E. 71st St. Social distancing will be practiced. Read more here.

West Humboldt Park resident Charles Pickett is organizing cleanups and helping to raise money for stores to repair damage. Read more here.

Anti-violence community organization Increase The Peace is leading a community clean-up Monday at 4 p.m. Volunteers can meet at the parking lot of the CTA Orange Line Western station. Find more details here.

In Wicker Park, Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) organized a ward clean up Monday from 3-7 p.m. Sign up to help or help in other ways here.

A cleanup in Roseland is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. Volunteers will meet at 112th Street and Michigan Ave. Contact organizers at wehearyou41@gmail.com for more information.

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Cole spoke at Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Sunday press conference:

https://nbcchicago.com/portableplayer/?CID=1:6:2281140&videoID=1744613955564&origin=nbcchicago.com&fullWidth=y

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Here’s How You Can Help South, West Side Businesses Hit Hard By Looting, Vandalism

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