Volunteers in both Enumclaw and Buckley are being recruited to help their communities look just a bit nicer.

Being promoted are joint “Beautify Enumclaw” and “Beautify Buckley” events, both slated for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 14. It’s the second year for the all-volunteer efforts.

The concept is rather simple: citizens of all ages turn out for three hours of labor, sprucing up the city. In Enumclaw, volunteers are asked to gather at Boise Creek Park (the Sixplex); in Buckley, the meeting place is the Youth Center.

Heading the effort is Jeri Gamblin, local coordinator for the Just Serve program. Just Serve is the umbrella organization under which the “Beautify” projects operate.

Gamblin said the work agendas are being expanded this year in both communities. For example, in Enumclaw, crews will be dispersed to tackle things like painting backstops and benches at city parks, spreading bark along the Foothills Trail, building planter boxes for the school district’s Birth to 5 Center and tending to the “hope garden” at Hope Lutheran Church. Across the river in Buckley, volunteers will also tackle painting projects and doing some weed-pulling.

Those turning out to volunteer are asked to provide their own gloves and a shovel; additionally, it’s suggested everyone wear clothing that can get dirty.

Anyone wishing to help the cause but unable to volunteer can still be of service. Organizers will be accepting food donations at both meeting sites. In Enumclaw, food will be directed to Plateau Outreach Ministries; in Buckley, it will support the Backpack Program.

Gamblin is confident the event will draw more volunteers during year two. In 2018, about 150 people showed up to help (counting both Enumclaw and Buckley) and this year she’s hoping to double that turnout.

The effort is receiving a significant boost, Gamblin said, from a trio of local contractors. Performing some of the heavy lifting will be Stafford Excavating, Rodarte Construction and Enumclaw Landscaping. She also has high praise for the cooperation she’s received from the Enumclaw Parks and Recreation Department.

The Just Serve website is an international effort that links people willing to serve their community with organizations in need of volunteer help. Anyone can get involved locally by visiting www.justserve.org and entering “Enumclaw.” Currently, 11 local organizations are found, in both Enumclaw and Buckley, all looking for volunteers. The goal is to enhance the quality of life in every community where Just Serve operates.

Those wishing to volunteer on Sept. 17 are asked to register in advance at www.justserve.org/beautifyenumclaw.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Gamblin at: jerigamblin@gmail.com.