ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – As part of Operation Aloft, city staff and volunteers grabbed trash bags and long-reach tools to pick up litter around Albuquerque ahead of Balloon Fiesta. So far, they have collected thousands of pounds of debris.

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"They're stoked, to be honest with you. They are actually really excited to come and do it. A lot of them want to make a difference because we, you know, we do take pride in our city," said Director Billy Gallegos, City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Department.

Balloon Fiesta gets underway this Saturday and continues through October 12.

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