Several organizations will Team Up 2 Clean Up Kent during a citywide event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 17.

Residents, neighborhood and faith-based organizations, civic groups, schools, youth organizations, businesses and families are encouraged to get involved with this citywide effort.

Volunteers can pick up free gloves and trash bags and get directions to “hot spots” – the areas that need the most attention – by meeting at 8 a.m. at one of three locations:

• Trinity Community Church parking lot, 3807 Reith Road (West Hill)

• Kherson Park, 307 W. Gowe St. (downtown)

• Golden Steer Steak & Rib House parking lot, 23826 104th Ave. SE (East Hill)

Trash bags can also be dropped off at the same locations that day until noon.

Individuals and groups interested in participating in Team Up 2 Clean Up Kent must register by 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 14 at KentWA.gov/TalkingTrash.

For additional information, contact Gina Hungerford at ghungerford@kentwa.gov or 253-856-5549.

According to city conservation specialist Gina Hungerford, this year’s effort is going to be bigger and better than past years.

“Not only have multiple organizations partnered to create more awareness and make a larger impact, we’re being more inclusive to those who live on either the East or West Hills,” said Hungerford. “We now have check-in and drop-off locations across the city. We hope this encourages participation and makes getting involved in cleaning up Kent more convenient.”

New this year is a photo contest with prizes awarded to photographers for the most interesting “finds” and amount of litter collected, as well as a scavenger hunt. Hungerford says these activities add an element of fun to an otherwise dirty job.

“Details about both the photo contest and scavenger hunt are on the event website. We’re thrilled Kent Station and Republic Services have donated prizes,” Hungerford said.

“We hope to get a great turnout at this year’s litter clean up,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. “Historically, several community organizations have held individual events. By working together, we can make a visible difference across the entire city.”

The event is organized and sponsored by the city of Kent, Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Station and Republic Services.