On Sunday, February 23, 2025, 300 WeLoveU volunteers cleaned the streets in Northeast Philadelphia after a press conference called by State Representative Jared Solomon. The volunteers collected 4,000 pounds or two tons of garbage alongside city officials. At its core, WeLoveU aimed to spread hope to a community recently struck by a tragic plane crash a month earlier. The mega cleanup, titled Northeast Strong, took place adjacent to the Roosevelt Shopping Mall in between the intersections of Roosevelt Boulevard and Bustleton Avenue. 

Uniting During Hard Times

Before the cleanup, Jared Solomon called a press conference.  

WeLoveU Vice President of Community Engagement John Casas opened the press conference, thanking everyone for attending, on behalf of Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. “This is Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, and that is why the International WeLoveU Foundation is here together in solidarity with this community, making sure that it can fulfill its spirit and sharing love with its neighbors.” He pointed out WeLoveU and Jared’s enduring partnership and honored Jared’s passionate support of the Foundation in his district.   

Next, Rep. Jared Solomon spoke. He acknowledged the heroic efforts of first responders, residents who helped each other, and the volunteers. “Your presence means everything to us. What message you’re sending is that folks aren’t forgotten.” 

After Solomon, State Representatives Sean Dougherty and Anthony Bellman spoke respectively. “I can’t thank the WeLoveU Foundation enough.” “It was also just heartbreaking because you knew that this was just not going to be solved in one day. The fact that you guys are here today, weeks after the tragedy struck, to show Northeast Philadelphia some love means the world to the community. Your impact is going to be long lasting, and I can’t wait to see what we do after the cleanup today because like I said, we need y’all to come back.” 

The final speaker was a representative from Councilman Driscoll’s office. 

Northeast Strong

After the press conference, 300 volunteers Pennsylvania and New Jersey got to work under the slogan ‘Northeast Strong.’ Philadelphia city officials joined the volunteers and removed 4,000 pounds from the surrounding streets near Roosevelt Shopping Mall.  To the volunteers, this cleanup was about standing together as neighbors in the face of hardship. Philadelphia’s Northeast is a largely blue-collar community and home to several WeLoveU volunteers. Volunteer Charnett Moffett said, “We are one family, one global village, and when tragedy strikes, there has to be a situation where people come together.”  

Local businesses such as Raising Canes, Pizza Roma, and Home Depot contributed to the success of the cleanup by donating food and supplies. WeLoveU plans to continue leading community-centered initiatives in Northeast Philadelphia inspired by a mother’s love.