‘Coastodians,’ a new nonprofit, is cleaning Rhode Island’s beaches

For Jonathan McClurg and Luis Vertentes, picking up trash at the beach is a therapeutic experience

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McClurg and Vertentes, both recovering from depression and alcoholism, find the work therapeutic and a way to give back to the community.

The pair have collected an estimated 500 pounds of trash, with nip bottles being the most prevalent item.

Coastodians relies on donations and fundraising to support their efforts, hoping to acquire vehicles for larger debris removal.

NARRAGANSETT – Jonathan McClurg and Luis Vertentes met each other when the two men were cleaning up the emotional wreckage of their lives.

McClurg’s father died in 2021, a loss that sent him into a deep depression and excess drinking. Vertentes was similarly battling depression and alcoholism.

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