By Alisha Tuttle
Volunteers gathered Saturday morning to take part in a community cleanup event in Pelzer, organized by Chase Smithwick, candidate for Pelzer Mayor in 2025. Those who attended were eager to contribute their time and energy to making the town shine.
Volunteers met at the Pelzer Gym before spreading out to pick up litter along Lebby Street, the Monkey Park and ballfields, and the upper and lower boat ramps. Supplies such as trash bags, gloves, and orange vests were provided by Palmetto Pride.
In addition to the cleanup efforts, the event also supported Friends of the Community–Upstate, a local nonprofit known for its mission of “Neighbors serving neighbors.” Volunteers from the organization assisted with trash pickup throughout town, and a food drive was held to collect canned goods and nonperishable items for the nonprofit. The group recently faced challenges after a fire rendered the home and office of founders Jason and Tiffany McElhannon uninhabitable.
Smithwick said the event was rooted in a desire to bring the community together while improving the appearance of Pelzer. “Being able to do a trash pickup gets people out helping, and it also brings neighbors together who might not have met yet,” he said. “You’re doing a service to the community, and you’re building pride at the same time.”
When asked about what community pride means to him, Smithwick emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for both longtime residents and newcomers. “It’s being happy where you come from, having a sense of gratitude. I want people to say, ‘I’m from Pelzer,’ and say it with pride,” he explained.
Smithwick, a lifelong resident of the Pelzer area, said that giving back to the community has always been a personal priority for him. Raised by a single mother, Smithwick recalled how members of the community came together to support his family during difficult times, including food drives organized by local churches. Those experiences, he said, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the power of community charity and the importance of helping others.
While some have questioned whether volunteers should be needed when the town employs maintenance staff, Smithwick sees community involvement as essential. “The maintenance guys work hard, but there’s only two of them. Everybody needs a helping hand,” he said. “Pelzer is big enough where everybody can pitch in and make a difference.”
The event reflected a broader hope among attendees for a stronger, more connected Pelzer. As Smithwick put it, “My biggest vision of Pelzer is community — a strong community. I want people to come together.”
