Volunteer Resources

Ron Martin and Woody Raine are volunteers with Keep Smithville Beautiful! They worked with the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director to adopt Bastrop County roads last fall and have been diligently planning a Clean Street Sweep for the Smithville commmunity. They both also volunteer with the Smithville Recycling Center. Their backgrounds in waste management and science have made them keenly aware of the problems litter present and have allowed them both to help educate the community. They have helped with Clean Street Sweeps, the Annual Eco Festival, the Photo Festival, and more! Overall they are great ambassadors for the Smithville community. 

The Mansfield Volunteer Program (MVP) began in 2015 in an effort to improve Code Compliance and assist homeowners who do not have the resources or capabilities to keep their homes in compliance. Priscilla Sanchez is the Volunteer Coordinator of these efforts and coordinates the projects and volunteers, going above and beyond to make stops to check on elderly residents, often with breakfast in hand. Priscilla maintains an impressive base of volunteers that has gained national and state-wide recognition. With over 10,000 annual volunteers, this program often produces over 55,000 annual volunteer hours, netting a value of approximately $1.5 million worth of sweat equity. From cleaning trash in parks and creeks to building ADA compliant ramps and rails, MVP focuses on improving the community as a whole and is a true community collaboration.

Judy is one of the founding members of Keep Blanco Beautiful (KBB) and chairs the beautification committee. She also served as the treasurer until January 2019. Judy has a passion for gardening and is a certified Master Gardener. As the chair of the beautification committee and an avid gardener, Judy has brought many projects to life in her 20 years of serving with KBB. Judy also has her own column called “How does your Garden Grow” in the local newspaper that focuses on planting, gardening, and beautification. In 2017, KBB began working on the Town Creek Riparian Restoration project and once again Judy stepped up to help. Judy is well-loved by the Blanco community and her dedication to KBB is inspiring.

Ricardo Santos has served the community of Cleburne for many years and has served as the president of Keep Cleburne Beautiful. In addition to organizing KCB monthly meetings, he encouraged his employer, Johns Manville (JM), to increase their level of giving. His fundraising efforts led to JM's sponsorship of the Buffalo Creek Cleanup t-shirt and sponsorship of other important events. Ricardo is hardworking, committed and a teamplayer. He has played a major role in KCB's success. 

Kelly Richards has been silently cleaning the trails in Grapevine for years. After recently becoming present on social media to bring attention to Keep Grapevine Beautiful efforts, she was recognized as the 2017 Rookie Volunteer of the Year. Kelly regularly picks up trash around Grapevine and promotes her efforts on social media. An avid hiker and runner, Kelly is passionate about the outdoors and believes that if everyone did their small part to pick-up, we could easily keep Texas beautiful.