East Toledoans clean up trash in show of love for neighborhood [Video]

TOLEDO, Ohio — East Toledo residents say they have pride in their homes, and they are willing to help the city clean up the neighborhoods. Volunteers partnered with Keep Toledo Beautiful, the Toledo Police Department and other area organizations to rid the business district on Main street of trash.

Their goal: bring east Toledo back to life.

“East Toledoans want to see their neighborhoods revitalized. We want the blight removed, we want the homes updated that are sitting vacant,” Gary Lenhart, who has lived in east Toledo for almost 40 years, said.

When Lenhart moved to the area in 1984 for work, he knew it was where he would settle down and make a life for himself.

“I stayed because I love my house, I love the neighborhood and I love east Toledo. I …