we have a plan, but no van!

Nearly three years ago, Garbage Gals was started as small monthly cleanup crew. Today we are a registered 501(c)(3), members of two Chamber of Commerce organizations, regulars at the Wicker Park Farmers Market where we hold our free clothing drive, and founders of Garbage Owls, a youth education initiative. What began as a handful of volunteers with pickers and trash bags has become a recognized part of this community and a place where people connect, pitch in, and make a visible difference together.

We couldn't be prouder of our growth, but it comes with a price. Every event requires logistical gymnastics which include numerous runs to our storage unit to fetch supplies, loading and unloading our personal small car, and a level of physical effort that leaves little energy for what matters most: the cleanup itself.

A dedicated van would change everything. It would streamline our operations, reduce the physical burden on our volunteers, and allow us to say yes to more opportunities in more places. There are cleanups we haven't been able to take on and communities we haven't yet reached, not for lack of will, but lack of capacity

OUR IMPACT

Litter Collected

As of 2026, we started to weigh every single back of trash collected. In just two months, we have collected 1,559 lbs of litter off streets in Chicago.

Neighborhoods Visited

Since our start, we have hosted clean up events in 27 different Chicago neighborhoods. From Andersonville to Bridgeport and everything in between!

Events Hosted

We have hosted and/or participated in 100 events. That includes trash pick ups, tabling events, corporate and school partnerships, free clothing drives, social events, and festival partnerships.

What can we accomplish with a van?

First and maybe most obvious, we will be able to transport more of our supplies and materials! At the current time, I have been able to smash enough into my car to get by. But is always a battle between what needs to be brought vs. what fits in my car. With a van, we won’t have to pick and chose what items we bring!

Secondly, several times this year we have had to rent vans and box trucks to meet our needs. When we host events for 50 or more volunteers, we need the extra space to ensure we have all the supplies we need.

Rented Van for Earth Day

Rented Box Truck for our Clothing Drive

When we host the clothing drive, we need the additional space more than ever! This event has several bins, 6 clothing racks, piles of clothes, and supplies to make this event a success.

Third, we want to pick up more trash! We have so many goals for our work in Chicago. This includes hosting more events for larger numbers of people. Our current procedure is to drive to our storage unit before every event, load up supplies, and unload afterwards. This is time consuming and not the most efficient method. With a van, we will have a smaller storage place on wheels! This will allow us to use supplies from more than one event before we need to head back to the storage unit for a refresh. With a van, we won’t have to spend so much time loading/unloading our cars and can spend that time hosting more events!

Our Associate Board on Earth Day with over 100 bags of litter!

Make a Donation

Click the Garbage Gals van below to make your donation!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! As a registered 501c3 your donations are tax-deductible.

  • Your donation goes directly to funding the purchase of a van.

  • We are hoping to raise $20,000. This will cover the purchase of the van. We are currently setting aside funds to help with the cost of auto insurance.

  • Absolutely! Check our events page to learn more about upcoming events.