By LAURIE COKER
Special to the NEWS
Volunteers are welcome to join an area nonprofit’s cleanup effort slated for Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m.-noon at Iowa Gardens.
This past Monday, March 4, a RGV Fishing Area and Waterway Cleanups effort received widespread community support, highlighting the commitment of its volunteers and sponsors to environmental preservation.
Utilizing front loaders, trailers and other machinery generously provided by sponsors, volunteers made significant strides in addressing accumulated trash, filling at least two dumpsters with debris, according to the group’s founder and managing director Richard Hitchcox. This successful cleanup effort underscores the tangible impact of community-driven initiatives in safeguarding local waterways and ecosystems, organizers said.
Looking ahead, organizers are gearing up for the Iowa Gardens Road Volunteer Cleanup in San Benito. Building upon the momentum of the previous cleanup, this event aims to further contribute to environmental conservation efforts and foster community engagement.
Sponsors such as Renatō Arizpe/Arizpe Flooring, LLC, Henry Rodriguez/Henry Charters, Rogel Rodriguez/ Roros Trailer, and EMR USA Metal Recycling/ International Shipbreaking Port of Brownsville played instrumental roles in supporting the recent cleanup endeavors. Their contributions reflect a collective commitment to preserving natural habitats and enhancing the quality of life in the region, said organizers.
In addition to expressing gratitude to participants and sponsors, the RGV Fishing Area and Waterway Cleanups emphasize the importance of community involvement in promoting environmental stewardship.
The upcoming Iowa Gardens Road Volunteer Cleanup presents an opportunity for individuals to contribute to these ongoing efforts.
Interested participants are encouraged to join the cleanup effort. For more information, individuals are encouraged to contact Hitchcox at (956) 371-7146.
Furthermore, the group’s mission extends beyond cleanup events to encompass coordinating and promoting conservation initiatives in various RGV fishing areas. Designed to be family-friendly and apolitical, the group seeks to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. Advertisements are limited to donors and sponsors, ensuring a focus on community-driven efforts.
Founded by Hitchcox, a retired US Army Master Sergeant with over 22 years of service, and retired Forensic Scientist-Firearm Examiner for the Texas Department of Public Safety, the group’s origins stem from a desire to initiate faith-based community improvement efforts. This background underscores the organization’s commitment to service and environmental stewardship rooted in shared values and principles.






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