Unsightly graffiti can cost billions of dollars a year to take down, but San Antonio is trying to wipe it out thanks to some local volunteers.

The city hosts several Mini Graffiti Wipeout sessions throughout the year, and one of those happened Friday morning at an empty gas station in the 6600 block of Tezel.

Volunteers from the Girl Scouts, local neighborhood associations, CPS, and even the Air Force came out the help with Friday’s efforts.

“A lot of people that are here are actually from the community, and it gives them pride in the neighborhood knowing that they’re helping remove this unsightly graffiti,” said Lisa McKenzie, the neighborhood services coordinator who helped organizer Friday’s cleanup.

San Antonio city officials say more the 3.5 million square feet of graffiti are cleaned up each year with the help of local volunteers.

Graffiti can have a devastating effect of property values, and can drive away business.

The Mini Graffiti Wipeout sessions happen throughout the year. For more information on how you can volunteer, you can visit this link. To report graffiti that needs to be cleaned up, call (210) 207-BUFF (2833).