Keep McAllen Beautiful is spring cleaning the city of McAllen with its annual Great American Clean-Up and Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off. KMB is asking interested individuals to gather their favorite people and create a small group of up to do a litter clean-up around town April 5 through May 1. The Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off is April 17, part of the Great American Clean-up.
“Put on your cleaning shoes on and join us as we traverse our city’s major streets, hike and bike trails, city parks and schools to help keep our city looking clean and beautiful,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “For the first time in over 25 years, the clean-up event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, so it is more important than ever to participate in this year’s clean-up.”
Groups can pick their own date and time, and KMB will provide trash bags, disposable gloves and safety orange vests. Participants can also decide what area of town they would like to pick up litter. KMB can also assign them a location to clean.
Additionally, there will be two photo contests during the cleanup. People can submit their best “Before, During and After” photos, showing the impact of the clean-up effort. Photos are also being accepted for the “Oddest Item” collected.
A Community Event
The Great American Clean-Up is open to everyone. It is also an opportunity for those needing community service hours or who wants to do something meaningful. In addition, volunteers get a free t-shirt, and possibly win a prize, all while helping the City of McAllen become more beautiful.
“Volunteers come from all walks of life such as students, business leaders, civic and non-profit organizations, individuals, families, community and religious groups, sororities, fraternities, sports teams, and the military,” said KMB Program Coordinator Chris Lash. “We are asking the public to volunteer and join in this beatification effort. In addition, we are requesting that McAllen drivers be extra cautious and be on the look-out for volunteers who will be busy cleaning our streets during the month of April.”