Helping others is part of job for Raleigh's downtown ambassadors

Ambassadors answer questions, guide downtown visitors, pick up trash, sweep garbage from gutters and help people feel more secure. The 8-year-old program is funded by a special property tax.

"We escort people at night, young ladies back to their car who are working late," McDougald said. "We just want to make it safe and clean."

In April alone, Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors helped more than 400 drivers, 1,440 visitors and cleared 7,300 pounds of trash.

Lacie Lindstaedt of the nonprofit Downtown Raleigh Alliance says visitors and residents appreciate the help.

"We get all kinds of great emails and phone calls and people stop by to let us know," she said.

McDougald says it's all in a day's work. He says it makes him feel good knowing he’s helped someone.

"That’s what they remember when they come to downtown Raleigh," he said.