Volunteers keep Indianapolis beautiful

Volunteers and neighbors are the 💚 of our work at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. To celebrate the hours, dirty hands, and sweat our volunteers give every week, we're highlighting some of our newest Tree Tenders … The Dream Team! ⬇️

A instant match made in tree canopy
"KIB has been a great community partner in Indianapolis. The organization is directly making an impact to make the world a better place. I love the Tree Tender program because I get to learn more about local trees in the Indy area and how to take care of them. I recently moved to downtown Indianapolis and looked up KIB as I wanted to contribute to the local community here. It was an instant match! I have participated over the past two months of events and I've met a lot of like-minded people over this time. That is how I found a place on the dream team ... who also happen to be my neighbors. :) 

Over the last few months I have had a lot of people ask me about tree planting events and I have been pointing them to the KIB Tree Tender program. My squad has been growing over time and I feel great that we are able go back later to see the trees we have planted. It is a great way to do an outdoor activity with your friends and family while saving the planet. The KIB team is super friendly and very helpful with the onboarding, hands on training and planning the events. Kudos to all of you!" 
- Sarang Sontakke, KIB Tree Tender 🌳

Teamwork makes the tree work happen
“Honestly, planting trees is hard work. 😅 But at the same time, it is so amazing how this organization is helping out with the community and environment. ❤

I love the teamwork that we have while planting trees! Every tree is different and we accommodate what the tree will grow to be. Also, I love how anyone can plant a tree. Seeing a toddler helping out one of the events was one of the most heartwarming things I've ever seen! 

KIB has had an impact on how I can get others to do better for the community and environment. This has been through my neighbors, friends, and family but also through school and trying to get more of my classmates involved. In the near future, I will hope to do the same when I get a job out of college. 

I can't stress enough (speaking on the behalf of each of us) of how special it is for our group to be one you chose.”
- Tommy Gunderson, KIB Tree Tender-in-Training

Worthwhile AND fun
“Volunteering has definitely given me a chance to interact with like-minded individuals who understand the importance of tree planting and the importance of having a wonderful environment where I live. I learned so much from tree planting demonstrations that now I have the knowledge to assist tree planting events in other cities outside the Indianapolis area. This would've not been possible without the instruction and resources given by KIB. 

By planting trees, I can do something worthwhile and fun as well as contribute toward bettering the environment.”
- Kelsey Clayton, KIB Tree Tender