Several local groups have committed to helping clean up Braintree on May 7 as part of the town's fourth annual volunteer event, which will see teams picking up litter and debris from Town Hall to the Fore River and many places in between.

Beautify Braintree kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at Town Hall. Mayor Joseph Sullivan will meet volunteers, who will be served coffee and pastries. After that it's off to various spots throughout town, to clean up from the winter season. The rainout day is May 14.

"Whether it’s walking your own streets, raking your own properties or coming to Town Hall on the 7th of May at 8:00 in the morning to receive your assignment, there’s no reason why we can’t come together and put a shine on our lovely community in just a few brief hours if we all contribute one way or another," Sullivan said in a statement.

After the clean-up, volunteers will be invited to Sunset Lake for a free cookout of hotdogs, hamburgers, snacks and cold drinks.

The Braintree Board of Trade is among the organizations involved in the event. Volunteers from the group will focus on South Braintree Square, and will also plant flowering annuals.

"We want our business districts to appeal to customers, so we want to help out improving our appearance with this town sponsored event," said Richard Frye, president of the board. “I am going to ask our members to commit a few hours and to bring their hard working staff to help us make a difference."

Members of the East Braintree Civic Association will put in work along the Fore River and Smith's Beach, president David Oliva said. "We always look forward to this event to come together with this first outdoor activity to pick up what has been left behind along our shoreline and I’m urging all East Braintree residents to help clean up our side of town," he said.

Outside of Town Hall, Thayer Public Library and French's Common, Braintree Rotary Club members "will strive to make a difference with their energy and
commitment in de-littering our town," Dr. Robert Marsh said.

The town will provide free T-shirts, bags and gloves, Sullivan said. Other targeted areas include Capen's Circle, each side of Washington Street to Dunkin Donuts at the intersection at Hancock Street, Sunset Lake, the Senior Center property on Cleveland Avenue and the Watson Building on Quincy Avenue.

Volunteers should call 781-794-8901 to give a name and telephone number by Friday noontime, May 6.

The following are participating sponsors of the event:

Curry Hardware Company, Richmond’s Hardware, Paint and Rentals Company, Covanta SEMASS, Braintree Rotary Club, East Braintree Civic Association, Wonder Bread of Braintree and Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan and the Braintree Town Council members.