They served two locations with a singular mission. More than 120 volunteers hit the shores of Valley Creek on Saturday, Aug. 23 in Midfield and Bessemer to pick up trash and debris during the Renew Our Rivers annual Valley Creek cleanup.

It was the fourth year for the cleanup and volunteers came from Midfield, Fairfield and Minor high schools, the University of Alabama at Birmingham honors college as well as from the Freshwater Land Trust, Alabama Power, Home Depot and U.S. Pipe.

The effort also was coordinated by the Jefferson County Storm Water Management Authority, Jefferson County Department of Health, Black Warrior River Clean Water Partnership and state and federal agencies.

Prior to Saturday’s volunteer cleanup, local municipal workers pulled dozens of tires, old bicycles, sheet metal and other large trash from the creek over two days. Cleanup volunteers walked the creek and surrounding roadways, collecting cans, discarded plastic bags, old toys and other trash. The event culminated with a hot dog lunch.