Nonprofit SendIt4TheSea organize cleanups despite pandemic, Part 1 (includes video story)

Many events were canceled due to the pandemic, but the non-profit organization SendIt4TheSea has continued organizing cleanups throughout Miami by following a strict COVID-19 prevention code to continue to help. They believe that volunteers can receive education about the plastic pollution issue through a hands-on learning experience that they would not get anywhere else. 

Not only are they creating a platform to bring awareness and change to the environment, but they have dedicated themselves to making their events fun by mixing work and play. 

The organization, co-founded by Theo Queene and Coby Barreras, works every week cleaning beaches and parks. Also, they attend schools to educate students about the harsh realities the ecosystem is facing due to pollution and sedimentation. 

Every year, they host a shoreline cleanup at Bayfront Park and remove around 2000 pounds of garbage with more than 400 volunteers participating. This year is no exception as they are planning the next Bayfront Park Clean Up on Dec. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Coming Monday, Part 2 in this series.

Valeria Venturini, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, is a Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Social Media Marketing and E-Analytics. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she has a deep passion for storytelling and wants to provide a voice for others. Venturini dreams of working at a news station delivering stories to her community, interviewing citizens, celebrities and political figures.

Alejandra Garcia Elcoro is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism at Florida International University. With her passion and dedication, she will report vital stories that will leave an impact on her community.