The White Center community is gearing up for its annual Spring Clean event scheduled for Saturday, May 19.
"This is our fourth year, and we are always excited to make it the best one each year," said Aileen Balahadia, executive director of the White Center Community Development Association.
"Our members look forward to this event as a gathering as well as giving back to the White Center," says Pastor Mabel Fatialofa-Magalei of the White Center Assembly of God, and a yearly participant. "One of the most exciting things about Spring Clean is that many of the projects are part of ongoing neighborhood efforts. Friends of Hicks Lake and other groups maintain Lakewood Park and White Center Heights Park, Neighbors of North Shorewood Park have started regular work parties to keep their park safe. Cleaning our parks, picking up trash, taking out invasive plants, and preparing the way for new plantings will help make these parks more accessible and friendly for community use."
Volunteers are needed. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the White Center Community Development Association offices at 9615 16th Ave. S.W.
To sign up as a volunteer, contact Virgil Domaoan, White Center Neighborhood Business District Manager at 694-1082 or virgil@wccda.org. Volunteers will receive a complimentary T-shirt, breakfast, refreshments, and lunch. For event information or to sign up as a volunteer, refer to additional information on the program's website www.wccda.org.
Last year, 200 community members mobilized at many different project sites including North Shorewood Park, Lakewood Park/Hicks Lake, White Center Park/Log Cabin, The Bog, Salmon Creek, Downtown White Center, White Center Food Bank, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, The Salvation Army, and several residential blocks.
"Through continued community support, this year we expect a similar level of community participation to work on projects in White Center parks and open spaces, residential areas, and downtown streets, sidewalks, and alleys," said Aileen Balahadia.
The Spring Clean is directed by the White Center Community Development Association and sponsored by Boeing Employees Credit Union, Center Tool Rental, El Dorado West, Ginga Futsal Center, Golden House Bakery and Deli, King County, LISC, Seattle Weed and Seed, City of Seattle, The Triangle Pub, and the White Center News.
