KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Volunteers from ASEZ WAO braved scorching temperatures on Sunday to clean up roadside trash in Kissimmee.
According to Chief Meteorologist Candace Campos, while actual temperatures would reach the low to mid-90s Sunday, the humidity made heat-index values soar between 105 and 110 degrees across Central Florida.
The extreme weather didn’t deter the dedicated group of volunteers who cleaned up trash along Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee.
“Even though if it’s hot, if it’s raining, no matter the situation we will definitely rise to the occasion,” said Stephanie Morales.
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Despite the heat, the cause alone was enough to get people outside and picking up trash.
“No matter what, no matter where, our mission and our effort is to be able to serve our community with the love of a mother,” Morales said.
Amari Blake, who participated in the cleanup effort, took precautions against the intense heat and sun.
“We have some trucks that are coming around with Gatorade, making sure all of the members are fully hydrated,” Blake said.
Blake was also protecting herself against sun exposure.
“If I’m in direct sunlight, I sometimes get a really, really bad sunburn or a heat rash,” Blake said.
The organization maintained safety protocols throughout the event, with support vehicles making regular passes to assist volunteers. The trucks carried water and Gatorade coolers, ensuring volunteers stayed hydrated and had access to breaks when needed.
“We definitely have transportation coming back and forth, picking members up just in case they need to take a restroom break, need to come under the shade for a little while,” Morales said. “We’re making sure to communicate during our walkies, to be able to meet the need of our community and our volunteers while they’re here, changing, making the difference that we definitely want to see.”
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