El Paso is a city that takes pride in its sunsets, its neighborhoods, and the people who show up for one another. And right now, three local organizations are proving that loving this city isn’t just something you say. It’s something you do, with gloves on and trash bags in hand.

Together, Sun City Pickers, Desert Rescue 915, and Reckers Outreach are tackling litter and neglect from three different angles, working in collaboration to make El Paso cleaner, healthier, and more dignified for everyone who calls it home.

Sun City Pickers: Neighbors Showing Up for Neighbors

Barely a year old, Sun City Pickers has already become a familiar sight across El Paso. Their mission is simple and powerful: show up in different neighborhoods, spend about an hour picking up litter, and leave the area better than they found it.

Founded by local veterans who just wanted to continue serving their community, Sun City Pickers brings together a passionate group of volunteers who believe that small actions add up. One hour. One neighborhood. A visible difference. It’s grassroots, it’s welcoming, and it’s built on the idea that community care starts at street level.

Desert Rescue 915: Protecting El Paso’s Desert Edges

While Sun City Pickers focuses on neighborhoods, Desert Rescue 915 heads to places most people don’t. The desert outskirts of El Paso often become dumping grounds for large debris, especially tires, which pose serious environmental and fire risks.

Founded by Rick Flores, a retired firefighter who simply couldn’t stop serving his city, Desert Rescue 915 takes on the heavy stuff. Tires, illegal dumping, and forgotten trash are all part of the job. Their work protects the land that surrounds El Paso and reminds us that the desert is not disposable. It’s part of who we are.

Reckers Outreach: Cleaning with Compassion

Reckers Outreach is best known for its work providing housing support for unhoused veterans, but their impact doesn’t stop there. The organization also offers lawn care and cleanup services for seniors aged 60 and over and for veterans who are physically unable to maintain their yards or who have received notices from the city.

This is where their collaboration with Sun City Pickers and Desert Rescue 915 becomes especially meaningful. Cleaning up El Paso isn’t just about streets and deserts. It’s about dignity at home. It’s about helping elders and veterans stay safe, avoid fines, and live with pride.

Three Fronts, One Mission

Together, these organizations are addressing litter outside the city, within neighborhoods, and at the homes of those who need help most. It’s a holistic approach rooted in service, respect, and love for El Paso.

And all three are always looking for volunteers, people who want to meet others, be part of something positive, and make a real, visible difference.

If you’ve ever wanted to give back but didn’t know where to start, this is it. El Paso doesn’t get cleaner by accident. It gets cleaner because people show up.

And these organizations are proof that when they do, beautiful things happen.

If you want any tightening, SEO tweaks, or a punchier ending line, just say the word.

PHOTOS: First Snow Day in El Paso, TX 2026

Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez/KISS El Paso Facebook

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Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez

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Gallery Credit: Grizz