ARLINGTON, Texas– Members of the Pre-Law Society at the University of Texas at Arlington participated at the Cowtown Great American Cleanup on March 26.  

Manuel Gonzalez, a senior pursuing his undergraduate degree in philosophy and a member of the Pre-Law Society, said it was his first-time volunteering at Fort Worth’s city-wide clean-up event. 

 “I liked it a lot,” Gonzalez said. “It was a work of grace, cooperation with others.” 

 Gonzalez said volunteers from different age groups were present at the event, ranging from elementary students to senior citizens.  

Melissa Macias, a senior pursuing her undergraduate degree in philosophy, is on the executive board of the Pre-Law society. She said she loved seeing the enthusiasm of elementary school students for the work they put in for the community effort.

Gonzalez and Macias said they are glad to have volunteered for this year’s annual clean-up effort, and they hope to be able to volunteer for such events in the upcoming years.  

This one-day event attracts close to 5,000 volunteers a year, and with volunteers’ help, the city collects an average of 140,000 pounds of trash each year.

Avery Pesek, coordinator for Keep Fort Worth Beautiful, said advertising and publicity of the event on social media platforms has been crucial in bolstering the number of volunteers. 

 “Over 4,800 volunteers registered for this year’s event,” Pesek said.  

The Keep Fort Worth Beautiful initiative led to creation of the Cowtown Great American Cleanup event. This city-wide event takes place at parks, creeks, streets and other public areas annually. Volunteers can sign up as individuals or as organizations. Volunteers and volunteer groups can choose their volunteering location.  

To learn more about the event or to volunteer for next year’s cleanup effort, please visit the city of Fort Worth’s website at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/code-compliance/kfwb/initiatives/cowtowncleanup.