Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide nonprofit that inspires and empowers Texans to improve their communities, has recognized Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB) as a Gold Star Affiliate, its highest honor for local partners.
Gold Star status is awarded to affiliates that stand out as essential leaders in their communities, driving measurable impact through sustained programs, strong partnerships, and meaningful volunteer engagement.
“Our affiliates bring our mission to life every day. We are proud to recognize those who are leading the way as Gold Star Affiliates,” said Sara Walters, Executive Director of KTB. “These communities exemplify excellence in community leadership by mobilizing volunteers, advancing meaningful projects, and fostering a culture of care and pride in their communities.”
Across the state, communities like KMB make this work possible. In 2025, KTB affiliates engaged over 100,000 Texans who contributed to over $4 million value of volunteer hours based on the Independent Sector value of volunteer hours. KMB played a key role in this effort, implementing programs that reduce litter, promote recycling, and enhance the local environment.
In 2025, KMB collected 613 tons of trash, painted two homes, and planted 291 trees/plants with the help of 3,146 volunteers who contributed $254,941 value of volunteer hours. Artist painted 38 standpipes and 7 murals throughout McAllen. KMB also traded 2,127 pieces of recyclables for a tree/plant to grow the City of McAllen tree canopy.
“This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Keep McAllen Beautiful board, volunteers and community partners who support their mission every day,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Their commitment to preserving and enhancing the beauty of our city reflects both pride and a spirit of service. We are grateful for their hard work and congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.”
“We love to see our community coming together to help make the City of McAllen a more beautiful and cleaner place where people can live, visit, and work,” said Claudia Gutierrez, Program Coordinator of KMB.
Gold Star Affiliates represent the highest standard of community leadership within the KTBnetwork. To earn this recognition, affiliates must go beyond core requirements, expanding their programming, investing in training, documenting their impact, and building strong local partnerships. The designation reflects a level of effort and commitment that sets these communities apart as leaders in creating lasting, visible change.
KTB honored all 2026 Gold Star Affiliates during the Keep Texas Beautiful Virtual Conference on May 12 – 14, 2026.
