It's a simple notion, the brainstorm of a citizens group formed this spring by city businesswoman Patti Connell, and it's catching on in a big way. In the past few months, more than 10,000 bumper stickers and buttons have been distributed throughout the city -- and more are on the way.

Connell, who owns Land Transfers, a title agency company, said the "I love city life" campaign is a way to drum up support for the city and encourage people to explore downtown.

"It's been amazing," Connell said. "People just walk into my office and say, "Is this where I can get a sticker?'"

The group, still in its infancy, doesn't have the personnel to distribute all the stickers and buttons. But Connell said it hasn't been a problem because word of mouth has made the campaign a success.

"It's wild," Connell said. "This is a grass-roots organization. When people come in, I give them a stack of bumper stickers of about 100. People are excited and are passing them out."

The bumper stickers and buttons were printed by Apex Advertising in Lancaster. They're free and are available by calling Connell at 291-1941.

Connell's organization, which hasn't been named yet, is composed of both city and noncity residents interested in promoting all sections of Lancaster, not just the downtown.

"We want to promote city living and its benefits," said Connell, who was born in Gap and raised in Quarryville but has lived in the city for 29 years. "It's got the best restaurants, buildings, theaters and galleries. Lancaster has a bucketload of fabulous food. Many of the restaurants are in walking distance of where people live."

Connell and other members of the organization have received more than $400 in donations. Members have spent about $2,500 of their own money on the merchandise.

But it's not about the money, she said.

"I've seen the city go through ups and downs," Connell said. "I think it's up now thanks to individual entrepreneurs. Just look at all the shops along Queen Street.

"It's a great idea. I want people to plant more flowers in their neighborhood and sweep their sidewalks... to be proud of their neighborhood," Connell said.

The group is open to anyone who wants to get involved in making the city a better and safer place to live, but individuals with political agendas are not welcome, she said.

"If you are coming in with an agenda, we don't want you," Connell said. "We want people to come and enjoy what we're doing."

Mayor Charlie Smithgall said the advertising blitz is a wonderful idea that will open people's eyes to positive aspects of the city.

"(The bumper stickers) are on all my vehicles," Smithgall said. "It shows people love the city and are learning about it. This is a different time. We are turning a corner; people are coming back and moving into the city... for work and play."

It's this message Connell said she's going the extra mile to deliver.

"I love this city. I think it's going to potentially become home to a lot more people."