By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The SPI Beach Clean Up group gathered volunteers once again on Saturday, October 25, 2025, for a spirited coastal cleanup that blended environmental stewardship with community pride. Participants made their way past the convention center to the flats, where they met for the morning’s effort.
Founded six years ago by community advocate Nelda Vega, SPI Beach Clean Up has grown into a grassroots movement that attracts locals, students, and visitors alike. The group’s mission is simple yet powerful: to protect marine life and preserve the island’s natural beauty through consistent volunteer action.
Throughout the morning, volunteers collected nearly 75 pounds of trash. Over the years, the group has gathered an array of discarded items—canopies, socks, toothbrushes, plastic, cigarette butts, bottle caps, rope, and even debris from other nations that washed ashore.
Vega shared, “We’ve picked up over 15,000 pounds of trash over the years. One time, we even found a huge refrigerator! We rely on donations of supplies—not money—to continue our mission. I’m especially grateful for Jeff Kaylor, Britney Lerma, and Leilani Mata because I can’t do it without them. They help me set up, break down, and make sure everything runs smoothly. All of our volunteers are deeply appreciated because everyone helps pick up trash.”
To join future cleanups, follow SPI Beach Clean Up on Facebook or email nvegargv@gmail.com. The next cleanup will take place on November 8 at the end of Ocean Boulevard.
After each event, volunteers receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. “We only work with the local community,” Vega said. “Sponsors are local businesses—anyone can sponsor. It might be a case of water, gift cards, or supplies. We support local mom-and-pop shops.”
SPI Beach Clean Up welcomes volunteers of all ages, including students seeking community-service credit. These events are open to residents, visitors, and civic groups—a labor of love for the beach and a celebration of collective effort in community care and coastal conservation.