Volunteers also invited to take part in event to help environment and marine life
BAYTOWN, TX — After making a pledge to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by littering and the importance of beach conservation, students in the Puente Project at Lee College are planning to clean up a section of Crystal Beach in Galveston County.
The first-of-its-kind “Puente Clean Beach Crusade” will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, May 6, on South Crystal Beach Road in Crystal Beach. The students invite volunteers to join them and show the positive impact that can be made when the community comes together for a worthy cause.
The clean up will also demonstrate that young adults are committed to preserving the environment for future generations to enjoy, according to Puente student Javier Barajas. The students intend to make the crusade an annual event and hope to increase knowledge of the harm humans can inflict with their trash.
“Every time we go to the beach, we come across all kinds of litter, ranging from plastic bags to cigarette butts,” Barajas said, noting that much of the garbage ends up in the ocean and hurts marine life and animals that mistake the trash for food. “We are sick and tired of seeing a dirty beach, and we want to make Crystal Beach crystal clean again.”
The Puente Project at Lee College aims to increase the number of underserved students who transfer to 4-year colleges or universities, earn college degrees and return to their communities as leaders and role models. Latino students are provided with academic support centered on integrated reading and writing, English and an introduction to Mexican-American Studies; connected with community mentors; and exposed to new cultural experiences.
For more information about the Puente Clean Beach Crusade, contact Barajas at 760.658.4834.