More than 100 employees of Manheim Detroit took up their bags to make a difference in their community.

In an effort to clean up and preserve the environment, the group spent more than three hours on May 2 collecting 130 bags of trash from the grounds and areas around the Carleton, Mich., location and the facility’s separate Flat Rock marshaling yard.

“I was very impressed with our team and the dedication our Manheim Detroit volunteers showed,” said JD Daniels, general manager at Manheim Detroit. “They worked very hard to preserve the environment, give back to the community and go that extra mile. Our crew went above and beyond to volunteer their time after work to make a difference in the community.”

The volunteers collected trash and debris on the grounds of the 200-acre Manheim Detroit property, along fence lines and in adjacent wetland and farm field areas near the auction. The winning squad collected 18 bags of trash.

Leaders at Manheim Detroit added the second volunteer location at the marshaling yard due to employee interest.

“When our Flat Rock employees heard about our Spring Clean event, they wanted to participate too,” Daniels said. “So we wound up with two spring clean-ups going on simultaneously. Our employees’ efforts made us proud.” 

“We were all blown away by the participation,” added Diana Ohanesian, Manheim Detroit controller and event organizer. “Detroit truly takes pride in having a clean environment and had a great time making it happen. Our volunteers are already asking when the next event will be.” 

An eight-member conservation committee, which includes members from several auction departments, is planning additional events for 2014 at Manheim Detroit’s 600 Will Carlton Road facility.

Other projects this year include an upcoming second cleanup of the Civil War cemetery on the grounds of Manheim Detroit and a flower-planting event.