Cleanup effort brings volunteers together

Residents across Las Cruces spent a recent Saturday morning taking part in the Great American Cleanup, a citywide effort organized by Keep Las Cruces Beautiful. The April 18 event ran from 8 a.m. to noon and gave community members a chance to dispose of unwanted items while contributing to cleanup efforts across multiple locations. 

Roll-off dumpsters were placed at sites including Apodaca Park, Benavidez Center, East Mesa Recreation Center, Frank O’Brien Papen Recreation Center, Young Park and Walmart on Walton Boulevard, where volunteers gathered early for breakfast and supply distribution before heading out. Walmart has supported the effort for the past three years as part of its involvement in the community. 

“More than anything, we hope we can clean it up a little bit,” said Tim Walsh, market manager for Walmart 387. “Keep it beautiful, and just do our part—we have a big footprint with Walmart.” 

For some participants, the event offered a chance to address issues they regularly notice in local spaces while giving back. 

“We come to this park, and sometimes we see more litter than even today,” said Jeff Burnham, who attended with his grandson, Alex Jimenez. 

Jimenez said he has taken part in similar efforts before, including volunteering to distribute food to those in need. 

“Yes, we were at Casa de Peregrinos and we gave out food bags for the homeless and other people in need,” Jimenez said. 

The cleanup is part of a nationwide initiative focused on encouraging volunteerism and improving community spaces.