Keep Laredo Beautiful staff provided a multi-item events update at the March 19 meeting, reporting sponsorships and volunteer sign-ups for an Earth Day big event, and previewing a series of volunteer opportunities and program partnerships running through the summer.

What staff reported
Ashley (staff) said the affiliate had 64 volunteers signed for the Earth Day big event and would cap volunteers at 120. She listed corporate and partner support committed for the April event, including Uber Freight (sponsorship), Apache Tree Corporation (tree donations), AEP, Coca‑Cola (snacks/treats), Concentrix (food donation) and the Rotary Club (volunteer support). Rotary will count the day as one of its volunteer events and will bring its volunteers.

Planned activities for the Earth Day event include tree planting, litter pickup, trail/brush clearing, a Monarch garden bed revitalization and wood staining; staff said teams of students and community volunteers will be assigned to stations and that partners will supply tools and materials.

Other scheduled and discussed events
- Adopt‑a‑Highway: Staff announced an adopt‑a‑highway cleanup in early April (April 5 was discussed as the likely date). Board members will circulate a calendar invite and staff said slots remain open for volunteers.
- Gulf Coast cleanup: The affiliate plans to participate in a statewide Gulf Coast waterway cleanup on May 10; staff is coordinating partners and a specific local location will be confirmed later.
- Best yard contest and Reader’s Choice awards: Staff encouraged board members to nominate and promote the affiliate for community awards and to share nomination/voting links.
- H‑E‑B film series: Staff described an H‑E‑B program offering five educational films between July and August; the affiliate could receive a $500 gift card for hosting sessions if at least 15–20 viewers attend. Staff discussed low-cost options (rec center or library screenings) and higher-effort options (park outdoor screenings or movie‑theater rentals).

Logistics and next steps
Staff asked board members to help recruit volunteers, share social media, and confirm availability for specific shifts at the Earth Day event and other activities. For the Earth Day event the affiliate will coordinate station assignments and confirm tools and shipping logistics; staff said they would share maps and volunteer station assignments by email.

Quotations
"We're currently at 64 volunteers. We're gonna cap it at 120," Ashley said when reporting volunteer numbers and sponsor commitments.

Ending
Staff closed by asking board members to invite neighborhood groups, confirm district volunteer slots and help publicize Earth Day and supporting events.