WAUWAUTOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens of volunteers grabbed buckets and gloves and gathered along North Avenue in Wauwatosa ahead of Earth Day. East Tosa BID teamed up with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful for the North Avenue community clean-up on Sunday.

East Tosa BID says after being hit with storms for days last week, today’s community clean-up felt even more significant.

“We do have a few neighbors that pick up, which is so awesome. So now this is just like a concentrated effort to organize people and it's really to get to know each other and bring the community together.” said Anna Jarecki, East Tosa BID board chair.

Volunteers were provided with all the tools they would need to help keep Wauwatosa clean.

“It's our responsibility to keep our earth clean and to just make sure that the places around us are beautiful and that we're taking care of it. But this is, you know, that's why we organized the BID, and it was to get, because we all think somebody else is going to do it. But if there's something behind it that's organized and telling you what to do, people will pick up the bags. They'll put on the gloves, and they will pick it up." Jarecki adds.

The goal was to clear storm debris while also helping prevent future flooding.

Organizers say recent flooding brought in a large number of debris, and clearing leaves and trash from storm drains can help reduce flooding.

An initiative that goes a long way for local businesses as well.

“It's impactful for not only the businesses, but the people that live in the area. So just love to be, you know, of support.

Everyone getting out and cleaning up only helps, you know, the Earth.” said Alyssa Matoska, owner of Lyss and Littles Children’s Boutique.

The Wauwatosa Common Council approved the East Tosa BID proposal in October.

East Tosa BID says this will be a monthly event, along with other activities for the community, with future dates announced as they are scheduled.

You can follow them on Facebook for more information.