Autumn arrived, and the air turned crisp, yet Church of God volunteers did not let the weather stop them. On Sunday, the World Mission Society Church of God partnered with the Jamaica Bay Foundation and the American Littoral Society. Their goal: clean up Spring Creek Park in Howard Beach, Queens.
When volunteers arrived, debris and garbage covered the shoreline. The task seemed daunting, but nearly 75 volunteers were ready to make a difference. They quickly assessed the area and divided into three groups to cover more ground efficiently. With sleeves rolled up, they began their work with focus and energy.
Uniting to Protect Nature
Volunteers brought garbage bags, rakes, picker pins, and even a wagon to collect trash. They picked up bottles, glass, styrofoam containers, clothing, fishing nets, and other debris. Teams formed assembly lines to carry metals, carpets, and larger items. Some volunteers rolled tree logs across the sand. About 25 members carried a 20-foot log out of the park.
After three hours of effort, the volunteers collected more than seven tons of trash. They filled 210 bags and moved 600 pounds of bulky items like wood and ceramic to pickup trucks. The National Park Service recognized their hard work with a 2016 Centennial Volunteer Challenge Award.
A Broader Mission of Service
This cleanup was part of the Church of God’s East Coast Volunteer Service Day 2016. Volunteers participated in 24 locations across the East Coast, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The campaign raises awareness about the importance of volunteerism and community service.
The Church of God recently received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This recognition inspired members worldwide to recommit to helping their local communities and protecting the environment. Through events like this cleanup, volunteers continue to make a positive impact on society while encouraging others to serve.
5 Responses
Wow very beautiful
and, very very AMAZING!
Wow. So much fun and fulfillment this event was. Through the unity and fellowship, the task became more joyful as time pasted. While time even a thought. Thank God for this event and allowing me to be apart of it. By the way, the beach looks way different now, lol.
It’s very great to do something with unity. What is more, in volunteer work for the community! It makes both them and the community feel so happy.
wonderful work of God is being shown by wmscog!