You can help spruce up White Center at 4th-annual Spring Clean event, May 19

White Center residents have the opportunity to get outside, work together and beautify their community later this month during White Center's Spring Clean event, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More than 250 volunteers are needed to help clean different areas of the community during the annual event, which is organized by the White Center Community Development Association (CDA).

"This is our fourth year, and we are always excited to make it the best clean-up event we've had," said Aileen Balahadia, Executive Director of the White Center CDA.

Pastor Mabel Fatialofa-Magalei, of the White Center Assembly of God, and a yearly clean-up participant, said church members look forward to this event as a fun gathering and a great opportunity to give back to the community.

"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 everyone," she said.
Continued restoration of King County's White Center Greenway Regional Stormwater Pond is one of many Spring Clean activities scheduled this year.

In 2006, 105 volunteers planted more than 3,000 plants in one portion of the pond. Without regular care, the pond would become overgrown with weeds, which would kill plants and weaken the pond's ability to preserve water quality in the community.

Clean-up volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt, breakfast, refreshments, and lunch. To sign up as a volunteer, contact Virgil Domaoan, White Center Neighborhood Business District Manager at 206-694-1082 or virgil@wccda.org, or at www.wccda.org.

Volunteers must check in at the White Center CDA between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., at 9615 16th Ave SW. Breakfast, snacks and water will all be provided to clean-up volunteers, followed by a group lunch and entertainment after the clean-up event.

Last year, 200 community members mobilized at many different project sites including North Shorewood Park, Lakewood Parks/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 Balahadia.

The Spring Clean is sponsored by King County, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Center Tool Rental, El Dorado West, Ginga Futsal Center, Golden House Bakery and Deli, LISC, Seattle Weed and Seed, City of Seattle, The Triangle Pub and the White Center News.