A cleanup brigade from Someone's Treasure Clubhouse hit the parking lot at Cape Girardeau's downtown Save-A-Lot store Thursday armed with rakes and plastic bags.

In just over an hour, the brigade bagged up all the litter and leaves from the parking lot.

"I like helping others," said Cora Jenkins. "Since this is Random Acts of Kindness Week, it's nice for me to come here and help. I'm taking part of my day to give something back to the community."

Someone's Treasure Clubhouse, affiliated with the Community Counseling Center, provides day programs including meals for clients. Much of the food and supplies are purchased at the Save-A-Lot store, 19 N. Main.

"We have become friends with the managers and other employees at the store," said Brenda Fluchel, a rehabilitation specialist.

In addition many clubhouse clients shop at the store.

They noticed that litter collects in the parking lot and decided to plan a cleanup.

"Our clients have been very excited about the project," Fluchel said.

In addition, she said, the project is a way to integrate clients into the community.

"This is Random Acts of Kindness Week," explained Glenda Greiwe. "Everyone should be practicing kindness."

The group raked leaves, picked up papers and broken glass, and deposited the litter into a trash container.

Carrying two bags of litter to the container, Jenkins said, "This makes me not want to litter ever again in my life."

Store manager Rich Hetzel was pleased with the parking lot patrol.

"This is absolutely great," he said. "We can really use the help."