The Greater MInden Chamber, in partnership with the City of Minden and Webster Parish Tourism, wrapped up its largest-ever Love the Boot Cleanup event on April 9, with dozens of volunteers turning out to help make the community a more beautiful place.
Volunteers formed teams and scoured roadsides, parking lots, and parks, collecting litter and larger debris such as chairs and tires. The citywide effort was followed by a celebratory gathering and awards ceremony at Miller Quarters Park. Event organizers said this year marked the highest turnout since Minden began participating in the statewide initiative.
“It’s a testament to how much we love our community, and to how much people need to stop littering. You don’t notice it driving up and down the roads, but when you’re out there picking up trash… It’s unbelievable how much trash we saw on the sides of the roads,” said Mandi Hart, Greater Minden Chamber board member. “Thank you all for helping to keep Minden beautiful.”
Award Winners
- Largest Team: Bienville Lumber Company
- Most Litter Collected (Per Capita): Minden REC, whose three-woman team collected 21 bags of trash from the Minden Shopping Center
- Most Spirited: Gibsland Bank & Trust, who completed beautification projects and cleanup at Hinton Park
Organizers expressed appreciation for the strong community support and volunteer turnout. With momentum continuing to build, they are already looking ahead and planning for an even larger event next year.
