Richmond ToolBank Announces “Richmond Shines” Citywide Cleanup Campaign

Free Tools Available Throughout April to Support Neighborhood Revitalization

April 1, 2026

Volunteers, including Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Kate Lessin and Richmond ToolBank’s Toby Vernon, clean up litter along the riverbank at Ancarrow’s Landing. Photo courtesy of Richmond ToolBank.

RICHMOND, VA — April 1, 2026 — The Richmond ToolBank is proud to announce the debut of Richmond Shines, a month-long initiative dedicated to neighborhood revitalization and environmental stewardship. Building on the momentum of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Clean the Bay Day, Richmond ToolBank is partnering with the Clean City Commission, Southside ReLeaf, and local volunteers to expand conservation efforts “upstream” across every district in the city.

Throughout April, tool lending fees are waived for eligible community projects. This initiative removes financial barriers to service, providing residents and nonprofits with the professional-grade equipment needed to transform their neighborhoods.

“Litter might look like an aesthetic issue, but it’s much bigger than that,” said Toby Vernon, Executive Director of Richmond ToolBank. “The stuff we toss—plastic bottles, bags, wrappers, cigarette butts, even vape pens—doesn’t just disappear. It ends up in our waterways, our food system, and harms wildlife at every level. This is a 100% human-caused problem, which means it’s 100% on us to take responsibility for fixing it."

“Richmond Shines is about giving people a simple, tangible way to do that. Yes, we’re picking up litter—but we’re also cleaning, greening, and taking care of the spaces we all share. Along the way, people are meeting neighbors, building community, and getting involved in ways they might not otherwise. We’re here to make it easy for anyone to jump in, grab some tools, and help make Richmond shine.”

Eligible Richmond Shines Projects

To qualify for waived tool lending fees, projects must be volunteer-led, open to the public, and located within the City of Richmond. Qualifying activities include:

Litter and Debris Removal: Neighborhood cleanups and alleyway clearing

Environmental Maintenance: Storm drain clearing and invasive species removal

Urban Forestry: Tree care, mulching, and light maintenance

Beautification: Graffiti removal, bus stop cleaning, and vacant lot restoration

Note: Fees are not waived for private residential work, for-profit contracting, walks/runs, community outreach events, or construction-heavy projects. Consumable supplies such as trash bags and gloves may be available while supplies last.

How to Join: “Claim a Block”

Richmond ToolBank encourages community-based organizations, neighborhood associations, and residents to “Claim a Block” and lead a project this spring.

Participants can browse and register for existing volunteer opportunities—or create their own—by visiting: https://www.cfengage.org/richmond-shines

Richmond Shines Culmination Celebration

The campaign will culminate in a citywide celebration on Clean the Bay Day, May 2. Following the morning cleanups, Richmond ToolBank will host an event at its facility to recognize the volunteers, partners, and community leaders who made the inaugural Richmond Shines initiative a success.

“This isn’t just about trash—it’s about showing up. Together, let’s make Richmond shine,” Vernon added.

Richmond ToolBank thanks its partners, including the Clean City Commission, Southside ReLeaf, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation, for their collaboration in making Richmond Shines possible.

About Richmond ToolBank

Empowering & Building a Vibrant Richmond, One Tool at a Time

The Richmond ToolBank is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lending tools, equipment, and expertise to community-based organizations and individuals. As part of a national network of ToolBanks and Disaster Services hubs, the Richmond ToolBank serves as a force multiplier for the community.

Its flagship Tool Lending program bridges financial gaps by providing access to tools at just 6% of their retail value. To date, Richmond ToolBank has supported hundreds of organizations, generating more than $10 million in tool cost savings reinvested directly into nonprofit programs and projects.