More Than 100 Volunteers Unite to Clean Up Colfax Avenue, Build Community Connections
Over 100 volunteers from across the Denver metro area came together Saturday to tackle litter and debris along the East Colfax corridor, joining forces with city officials and local organizations in a large-scale neighborhood clean-up effort.
The day began at the Denver Police Academy, where participants gathered before fanning out along streets and sidewalks near Colfax Avenue—an area known for its vibrant culture but also ongoing challenges with trash, debris, and public health concerns.
“If it was snowing, we’d still be out there; if it was raining, we’d be out there,” said volunteer Kristen Teller, who described her work as part of a deeper calling to help others. “We want to get into the trenches and clean our cities and sow seeds of hope.”
The initiative was organized by the Iron Sharp Community Foundation and led by organizer Jordan Clark, who emphasized the importance of regular clean-up efforts. “Our local communities are being impacted by trash and debris that cause health hazards not only for residents, but also for visitors,” Clark told FOX31.
The clean-up was supported by a wide coalition of community partners, including the Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department, the Denver Foundation, Waste Management, Niagara Cares, Denver International Airport, and the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Our mission and dedication are focused on serving some of the highest-need populations across the metro area,” said Clark. “These efforts are about more than just trash—they’re about healing and connecting our neighborhoods.”
Organizers say efforts like Saturday’s clean-up are a step toward building a stronger, healthier community—one block at a time. “We want to help clean up and bridge relationships,” Clark added.
