The Sorg Opera House in downtown Middletown will get a vigorous pre-spring cleaning this weekend by more than 70 volunteers.

Dubbed as “Removal Leads to Renewal,” the Sorg Opera Revitalization Group, or SORG, will have community volunteers gather for a day to clean out anything that won’t have a future in the revitalized commercial section of the building, according Walt McRee, SORG vice president for building development.

SORG president Chuck Miller said the volunteer effort will help save thousands of dollars that could be used for other building needs.

“We’re excited about spending the day with folks who share the vision of the Sorg’s future,” Miller said. “Their help will make a tremendous difference for us as we work together to recover this building from its unfortunate recent past.”

The Sorg had been vacant for several months until SORG, a group of of several Greater Cincinnati investors, purchased the building in August. They had a grand opening celebration in October.

More than 70 people have already volunteered to help throw trash in the two Dumpsters that will be outside the 1891-built theater and commercial building. More volunteers will be welcome, and likely needed, according to the group.

“Community participation like this demonstrates the vibrant spirit and pride that Middletown (residents) have for this treasured building,” said Miller. “We’ll need all the help we can get as we turn a new page in bringing this beauty back to life.”

SORG officials are planning to transform the building throughout the year with elbow grease and donations made to its 501c3 managed by the Middletown Community Foundation, McRee said

He said the group will be looking to fix the roof that is leaking in the theater, repair the falling window in the ballroom, secure the building, and “make some significant, noticeable changes to the facade throughout the course of the year,” he said.

The day will start at 9 a.m. and end around 5 p.m., and a volunteers meeting before the work begins will layout tasks and safety instructions.

Volunteers need to bring or wear protective clothing, such as work shoes, work gloves, long-sleeve shirts and pants. The building isn’t heated, so volunteers also need to dress warm, officials said.

Other items volunteers are asked to bring, include hand tools, cleaning supplies, breathing masks, ear plugs, wheel barrows, portable lights, circular saws, drills and sledge hammers. Personal tools should be marked with the owner’s name. It’s also requested volunteers bring water and snacks.

Work will be focused on the front of the commercial section of the building as well as some backstage debris. Workers will be asked to sign a work release form.

To pre-register, volunteers can email info@sorgopera.org or visit the Sorg Opera House Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SorgOperaHouse.