Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
McAllen, TX – In a significant step toward fostering a cleaner and more beautiful community, city officials gathered at McAllen City Hall to announce the latest developments in the McAllen Shines initiative. The event celebrated the city’s commitment to sustainability, civic responsibility, and community engagement, with highlights including the deputization of hundreds of students and attendees, unveiling new black and blue recycling bins, and introducing Mc Shine, the initiative’s official mascot.
Mayor Javier Villalobos, who has championed the McAllen Shines initiative since its inception, emphasized the importance of changing community culture and instilling habits that promote cleanliness and sustainability. Addressing the audience, he spoke of the city’s success in deputizing thousands of students from the McAllen Independent School District (MISD) and further expanding the initiative to include all attendees present at the event.
“We had the honor of deputizing thousands and thousands of people,” Villalobos declared. “And now, it’s my honor to deputize a long-time resident of McAllen, Mc Shine! Like all of you, I know you will continue doing the right thing for our city.”
In a display of unity and commitment, attendees stood together to take the McAllen Shines pledge, vowing to respect their city, keep their community safe, and encourage family and friends to uphold cleanliness and civic responsibility.
Another major highlight of the event was the introduction of new black and blue recycling bins, which will be placed in every city department and office floor. The bins are designed to mirror the residential sanitation bins familiar to McAllen residents, reinforcing the importance of proper waste disposal in public and private spaces.
“These bins are more than just containers,” said
Elvira Alonzo, Public Works Director. “They symbolize progress, responsibility, and a small but meaningful commitment to keeping McAllen clean and beautiful.”
The city’s goal is to encourage residents, businesses, and city employees to adopt responsible waste disposal habits, ensuring that McAllen remains a shining example of environmental responsibility in Texas.
City officials introduced Mc Shine, the McAllen Shines mascot, to add an exciting element to the initiative. Designed to represent kindness, teamwork, and respect, Mc Shine is a friendly reminder that every resident plays a part in keeping the city beautiful.
“Mc Shine represents the spirit of our community,” said Sarah Cepeda, McAllen Shines representative. “This mascot is here to remind us that together, through small daily actions, we can make a big difference.”
Attendees, particularly students, were enthusiastic about the unveiling of Mc Shine. They are expected to play a key role in spreading awareness and promoting the McAllen Shines movement throughout their schools and neighborhoods.
City officials clarified that McAllen Shines is more than just a campaign—it’s a way of life. The initiative encourages all residents to take pride in their surroundings and lead by example, whether through recycling, picking up litter, or educating others on the importance of environmental care.
“Every small action we take adds up to a bigger impact,” said Alonzo. “Together, we can ensure that McAllen continues to shine as a city we are all proud to call home.”
As the event ended, attendees were presented with biodegradable tote bags and T-shirts featuring Mc Shine, which served as both a token of appreciation and a symbol of their commitment to the McAllen Shines initiative.
With the upcoming State of the City Address in February, city leaders look forward to building upon these efforts and pushing for a cleaner, more vibrant McAllen. Through community collaboration, innovative sustainability practices, and a renewed sense of civic pride, the city is well on setting a new standard for cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
McAllen’s message is clear: Together, we can make McAllen shine!
