It all started with a tip jar.  “Customers are able to come in and give a tip.  We do that to pay it forward and it provides some coffee for people who may be having a rough day or a great day. We can share some of that and it’s also a way that we can do larger projects,” says Dan Shaffer.

Now two Johnstown businessmen are looking to give a major makeover to the area where they work.

“Often times when people think of Johnstown they think of negative things and we want to be part of a force that changes that perspective,” Shaffer adds.

Shaffer and  David Wilhelm co-own the Flood City Cafe on Clinton Street.  They’re the leaders behind the “Clinton Street Cleanup,” a $10,000 project that will help to beautify the city.

“We have different projects like pressure washing different buildings, repairing sidewalks, hanging flower pots on different light poles, placing mulch down, and just washing windows,” Wilhelm says.

The transformation project includes multiple Johnstown businesses, nonprofits, and organizations, including the Johnstown Shade Tree Association, which will plant 11 Crimson King Maple trees.

Even with all of the help, it’s a big and costly project. They are working to receive donations, grants, and do fundraisers.  Organizers say if they don’t reach their fundraising goal, they will continue to do other portions of the project in future years.  In the end their goal is to encourage other businesses and organizations in the area to do the same and adopt a street that needs a little help.

Volunteers will work on these projects April 30.

If you would like to donate money to help CLICK HERE.