Members of Guaruma and Procorredor worked hard to make their villages shine before Semana Santa. Easter week is one of the busiest in the Cuenca; visitors come from all over Honduras to enjoy the refreshing waters of the Cangreal. With their families they arrive, filling the backs of pickup trucks with children, grills, bathing suits, and snacks. Guaruma and Procorredor take pride in maintaining clean, welcoming communities, so what better time to spruce up than right before Semana Santa?
Volunteers from both organizations worked throughout the week. Starting in El Pital, moving south through Las Mangas, eventually ending up on the lower, flatter parts of the river. Kids donned plastic yellow gloves and picked up enough trash to fill more than 60 10-gallon bags. Everyone was cheerful, despite the dirty diapers, broken glass, and endless empty bags of chips. The work went on for almost the entire week. By the time volunteers arrived at the bottom of the river they were hot, sweaty, and exhausted. A bunch of them took advantage of their opportunity during a break and dove into the river, making bright splashes in the late afternoon sun.
Cleaning up the Cangreal
Guaruma and Procorredor take great pride in providing positive examples for the communities they work within. An effort to clean up trash and make the communities more welcoming is one that benefits everyone. Both organizations would like to encourage visitors and residents of the Cuenca to carry out any trash they bring in.