NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Health’s St. Luke’s Hospital will host Operation Clean Sweep in New Bedford’s Ward 5 and its surrounding areas from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 20.

Neighbors, families, friends, students, service groups and the community as a whole are encouraged to volunteer to demonstrate support for the city and to show New Bedford pride.

Free refreshments, including bagels, coffee, juice and pizza, will be provided by Southcoast Health and Domino’s Pizza, the official pizza of Operation Clean Sweep. Volunteers will also receive a coupon redeemable at the St. Luke’s Hospital cafeteria for a cup of award-winning clam chowder served on the day of the clean-up or available any Friday.

Students and volunteers are eligible to earn community service hours during the cleanup. Community service confirmation letters will be available upon request on the day of the event.

Volunteers can check in at the St. Luke’s Hospital parking lot on the corner of Hawthorn and Page Streets. All tools, gloves and bags will be provided by Operation Clean Sweep.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by visiting www.operationcleansweep.net or by calling (508) 979-1493.  Pre-registration is not required but it is preferred so that organizers are better able to plan for the needs of the day. Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Tool, bags, and gloves are provided, and Operation Clean Sweep also provides t-shirts and reusable water bottles to registered volunteers.