The City of Cortez is seeking volunteers for a cleanup day on May 10. The event kick starts a weeklong effort.

Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, residents are encouraged to meet at the northwest corner of Parque de Vida to help keep Cortez looking great, said City Manager Shane Hale.

“The idea is to walk our thoroughfares and pick up the litter that has accumulated over the winter months,” Hale said.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, gloves, bags and a vest and will be assigned to different areas of the city. Volunteers will be treated to a barbecue at noon.

Hale said the cleanup effort coincides with the city’s efforts to beautify major entrances into town, such as the ongoing landscape work along South Broadway.

“The city’s money and efforts, however, are wasted if we don’t display that we have a lot of community pride and can put in the work to keep Cortez looking nice,” Hale said.

A citywide “Clean Up Week” effort is May 12-16 to encourage residents to clean out garages and yards. Items should be placed on the curb, and crews, at no extra cost, will pick up all bagged items.

A drop-off location at the BMX parking lot on East Empire Street is sponsored by the city on May 17, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Montezuma County residents are also invited to drop off items, Hale said.

Information is available at 565-7320 or at cityofcortez.com.