Press release:

Team up with friends and neighbors to make a difference by spiffing up Burien during the city’s annual Clean Sweep on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New this year, graffiti removal will join tasks such as sweeping sidewalks, trimming shrubs, planting flowers, picking up trash and more. Spearheaded by Daniel Keane of Serenza Salon, Makeover Burien will have a team on graffiti patrol, cleaning up graffiti around Burien. Makeover Burien is a new all-volunteer group whose mission is to help make over Burien, one business at a time.

The 2011 Clean Sweep boasted more than 400 people getting rid of 8.2 tons of garbage from Burien’s streets, parks and commercial areas.

In appreciation of their participation, volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch and a chance to win prizes. Clean Sweep is presented by the city of Burien and the Discover Burien Association. Waste Management is the primary sponsor.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of Clean Sweep, volunteers are required to register and sign releases at the Fire District No. 2 Station. The station is located at Eighth Avenue Southwest and Southwest 151st Street in downtown Burien. Volunteers can fuel up before heading out to their tasks with a continental breakfast courtesy of Prudential Northwest Realty, including bagels contributed by Panera Bread and juice by Highline Medical Center. The El Dorado West Retirement Community will supply bottled water for thirsty participants.

While some cleanup materials will be provided, participants should bring useful yard tools such as shovels, rakes, clippers and brooms, according to Debra George, Discover Burien’s event manager. Highline Medical Center and the Law Offices of Linn, Schisel and DeMarco will donate a limited supply of gloves, so volunteers should consider bringing their own work gloves.

Participants will finish the event with a hotdog-style lunch at the firehouse provided by the Mark Restaurant & Bar and sponsored by Burien Town Square. Fred Meyer is sponsoring a drawing for door prizes that includes a bicycle door prize.

Businesses in Burien’s main downtown area have the opportunity to dispose of unwanted items by leaving them in front of their respective buildings or in the alley before 9 a.m. April 28 for pickup. Please call Debra George in advance to arrange for removal. Call George if items are not hauled away by noon to let her know your location and she can arrange for pickup that day.

Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on Burien’s economic development, promotion and education.

For more information, call the Discover Burien office at 206-433-2882, Debra George at 206-941-7199 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.