Ok, what kid wouldn’t jump at a volunteer gig entitled “Molly Moon’s Beautification Event?” This Saturday, July 12, your kids could be the lucky ones who help pick up the trash and otherwise spruce up the streets surrounding the beloved Capitol Hill ice cream shop, as well as Cal Anderson Park just across the street.
The clean-up effort is just one of many One Seattle Day of Service family volunteer opportunities taking place across the city on July 12.
A teachable moment for the city’s youngest residents
The day-long list of community clean-ups and other activities is a chance for the city’s youngest residents to learn the importance of giving back to the community and an opportunity for parents and kids to work side by side in service to their neighbors, the environment, and nonprofit organizations that really need extra hands. Volunteer events take place throughout Seattle — on beaches, in parks, on city streets, and in every neighborhood.
Harrell hopes at least 1,800 volunteers of all ages will turn out to dig, plant, paint, and otherwise renew and uplift the city.
“The One Seattle Day of Service is a reminder that when we care for our neighborhoods, we care for each other. Every neighbor who shows up shows what it means to care for a place that matters — and to build the kind of neighborhood we want the world to see,” said Tuyen Than, executive director of the Chinatown-International District BIA, in a release.
Good-bye, graffiti and weeds
Each year, Harrell’s call for volunteers rallies thousands of people to step up to pull weeds, wipe away graffiti, rid the streets and parks of trash, and otherwise beautify Seattle.
Last year, Mayor Harrell summed up the importance of the city’s One Day of Service this way: “Service to others is one of our highest values, nurturing a sense of unity, belonging, and togetherness in our community. [It’s] an opportunity to turn common ground into common cause, uniting residents from every corner of our city to make it a better place for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.”
Families wanted
While not all of the more than 55 volunteer service events are family-friendly, a majority are. To find the list of stated family-friendly events, go to the Seattle Day of Service events and registration page. Registration and a signed online waiver are required for participation.
Can’t participate tomorrow? Give back another time
If you’re unavailable on July 12, you can still explore One Seattle Day of Service family volunteer opportunities throughout the year or find other ways to give back. The city offers several ways to get involved, such as Adopting a Street, joining a Board or Commission, and cleaning up graffiti. Other ways to help improve the quality of life for all residents include keeping your sidewalk clear by removing snow and ice, trimming vegetation, and assisting neighbors in removing snow and ice from their sidewalks.
