With the threat of rain constantly reinforced by the cloudy skies over Port Orchard on Saturday, volunteers gathered for the first-ever Manchester Community Council (MCC) Cleanup Day, collecting trash, hazardous waste and used goods that would otherwise have been floating around the community.

Early on Saturday, 19 of the 35 volunteers set off from the Manchester Library to pick up litter along Colchester, Alaska, Beach and Puget Drive. The crew returned a couple of hours later with 50 bags of litter, completely filling a pickup truck.

Meanwhile, the other 16 volunteers, along with three Kitsap Solid Waste staff members, gathered used books, clothing, batteries and fluorescent bulbs.

Four garage sales commenced nearby.

“The event was a great success,” said John Winslow, MCC secretary and chairman of the Manchester Cleanup Day. “The level of participation and volunteerism demonstrates the community’s high level of civic pride.”

Bob Ballard, MCC president, reported that an entire passenger van of used clothing was collected, along with more than 25 boxes of books that will be resold in the Manchester Library bookstore to help offset the cost of operating the library.

Kitsap Solid Waste Haz-Mat specialist Rick Gilbert reported the collection of 95 fluorescent tubes and 40 pounds of dead batteries.

Staffers were also on hand to answer questions about the 2Good2Toss program and other responsible disposal programs.

Master composters answered questions regarding proper composting techniques and dealing with noxious weeds.

To top off the day, refreshments were served by members of the Manchester Community Association.

“This was a great opportunity for the MCC, MCA, Port, and Friends of the library to work together on a common project,” Winslow concluded. “The support of the county, our wonderful volunteers, donors, and our media partner, the Port Orchard Independent, were crucial to our success. We’ll probably have more projects like this in the near future.”

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.