GRANTS, N.M. – Spring will be upon us in a couple of months and the City of Grants is accepting applications for Youth Group Adopt a Spot. This program contracts youth groups to clean public areas while raising money for their organization.
Special Projects Coordinator Shannon DeVine stated this program is only open to youth organizations and sports teams. The contract payout is dependent on the amount of money awarded through the grant. Shannon DeVine said it usually ranges between $500$1,000, which helps fund the club’s or sports team’s needs. She said funding is hard to come by at times and this is a way to help alleviate some of the costs. It was emphasized that Adopt a Spot is for groups and not individuals She stated the Youth group usually picks a city right of way, not private property and contracts until the end of May. The amount of trash collected from these sites varies, she stated and can range from thirty bags to 10-15 bags of trash removed from the site. She also mentioned these bags are 40-gallon sized and filled to their capacity.
The number of groups allowed to participate fluctuates each year. This year six groups will be allowed to participate, but there is also a stipulation that groups must volunteer at either the Spring or Fall major cleanups to qualify for the program. Shannon wanted to stress this program is first come first served and spots will not be held.
City Code Enforcer Robert Windhorst said these youth programs help connect the youth to the community. He mentioned last year youth were contracted through the city and leveled the ground, prepared for gravel, and planted bushes on Second Street. This is a program that hires individual youths who go through the application process and interview.
DeVine stated this is a special grant for high school students, who are contracted and not employed by the city to work with the recreation center, animal shelter, or other city departments. She said any municipality can apply for funding through New Mexico Clean and Beautiful.
It was stated youth is recognized as 14-25, and two individuals have already been chosen for the positions. They will help with parks and removing graffiti. They are contracted and not city employees, and they will work 20 hours a week through the end of May.