"It's a community-led effort," said Ken Laureys, deputy director for the office of community relations for the county executive. "There is no one solution; we have to look at the resources and assets the community has and bring those groups, government institutions, churches, businesses, schools, community-based organizations, together," he said.

More than 30 such entities participated in Saturday's event, which was initiated by Prince George's and Montgomery Counties and the city of Takoma Park.

County Sheriff Michael A. Jackson echoed that, saying, "I believe in the community concept. Government services all have to work together with the citizens."

Volunteers worked in seven sections, including along 15th Avenue, along University Boulevard and in areas around the Langley Park Shopping Center.

"We have a very diverse community, and one of these days the region as a whole is going to discover how rich the area is," said Marc Kapastan, director of the International Corridor Community Development Corp.

Al Cornish, county deputy chief administrative officer, said the event was part of the county's Livable Communities Initiative.

"We're trying to get the message out to young people: Keep the environment clean and help build communities that are safe to grow up and live in," he said.

LaVerne Williams, president of the Lewisdale Citizens' Association, said she was pleased to see so many youth participating. "Everything that happens here affects the whole area," she said.

Santos Villatoro, a senior at Northwestern High School, was among the volunteers. "This kind of activity is good because it helps the environment," he said.

Modesto Ulerio, executive director of Association of Neighbors Puente Inc., said about 70 students, members of the organization Latino Youth In Action, volunteered.

"It's good to get the young people involved to avoid so many problems and to show the community that they are engaged in positive things," he said.

About 16 students from High Point High School also participated in the cleanup, said Michael Leon, Department of Juvenile Services probation officer at the school. "It's a combination of kids needing community service hours and court-ordered probation hours," he said.

Michael Herman, chief of staff of the county executive's office said the event was more than cleaning up. "This is about community empowerment and bringing people together for a common purpose," he said.

Takoma Park Mayor Kathy Porter called for future environmental measures. "This is the first of many events we'll be sponsoring in the Crossroads area," she said.

The day culminated with food and a dance presentation by about 23 participants of Colours, a combination of a traveling troupe, composed of 40 youth, and troupes from 15 different schools and communities across Prince George's County.

Erick Oribio of Hispanic Affairs for Prince George's County said he was pleased with the event's turnout. "This is the first step. It's highly positive and now we must continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining the area clean," he said.

E-mail Corina E. Rivera at crivera@gazette.net.