City approves new three-year contract with Wear Gloves for annual litter control services

File photo: Clients assemble wall brackets for ClosetMaid shelving at the Wear Gloves Dignity Center. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020

The Ocala City Council approved a three-year contract with Wear Gloves, Inc., Tuesday, June 7, for annual litter control services in the amount of $523,380.

The original agreement, signed in 2019, was set to expire on July 31, 2022.

City staff recommended renewal of the contract, considering the limited number of entities providing litter control services in the area, and that the city felt it had “benefitted” from Wear Gloves’ service, which, according to the agreement, was “efficient” and “cost-effective” over the last three years.

Wear Gloves, per the agreement, will provide all materials, labor, supervision, tools, accessories and equipment necessary for litter control services to perform its obligations. City shall provide bags, gloves and grabbers.

The nonprofit, operating as litter control services, is provided daily areas to service, defined by the city. A list of locations are also provided to Wear Gloves by the city project manager, revised and updated periodically over the term of the agreement.

More Than a Decade of Care

For more than 10 years, Wear Gloves, Inc., has been helping those in need get back on their feet and rejoin the community.

The nonprofit organization has launched several initiatives: the Dignity Center, Dignity Roasters Coffee, Dignity House and Church in the Garden.

Dignity House, located on 98 N.E. 9^th St., features a drop-in center and counseling services. Along with counseling services, Dignity House also offers case management, recovery coaching and art therapy.

Wear Gloves was founded by Wendy Kebrdle and her husband, Ken, in 2009. Last year, the nonprofit saw about 100 clients a week. Currently, Wear Gloves has roughly two-dozen volunteers but is always looking for more.

For more information, visit www.weargloves.org or call (352) 727-0239.