For the Reporter

A festive chant greeted a parade of passing motorists as they honked in support of 83 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God on Sunday afternoon.

What Kent residents saw as they traveled down Central Avenue was a hive of black and yellow clad workers, joyfully picking up endless cigarette butts, candy wrappers and all sorts of debris long neglected along the sidewalks and alleys of Central Avenue.

After watching Kent’s arterial road collect waste over time, passersby were surprised and grateful to see volunteers happily working to make the daily commute so much easier on the eyes.

“Thank you,” many of them yelled out their car windows as they slowed to read a banner emblazoned, The 2405th Worldwide Environmental Cleanup Campaign of the World Mission Society Church of God. Held by two young men who tirelessly reciprocated the shouted thanks with enthusiastic waves and loving smiles, the banner reflected the churches’ commitment to helping the community and promoting environmental health.

When asked the specific reason for this 2405th cleanup of the international organization — the sixth cleanup held by the local SeaTac branch — Church of God representatives said they were doing it to prepare for the upcoming Christian Passover.

The Passover is April 13 in more than 2,200 Churches of God throughout the world.

The Church of God included the Kent City Council, Kent School District, local businesses lining Central Avenue, and the Kent Reporter in planning the project.

The 83 volunteers who turned out began their work at the intersection of James Street and Central Avenue at noon, cleaned down the southbound side of the street until 259th Street and then turned northbound, completing the project in the parking lot of Mill Creek Middle School at 4:45 p.m.

In all, 70 large trash bags were filled.

“It’s wonderful that you guys are really involved in the community,” said one local pedestrian.

The SeaTac church doesn’t plan to stop at Kent. Members are already making plans for cleanups and other volunteer activities throughout South Seattle.

Anyone interested in participating, should contact Deborah Kwon 206-465-0255 for more information.