Burien Shelter Calls for Kitchen Cleanup Volunteers Saturday

A community shelter that protects people from dangerous cold is asking neighbors to roll up their sleeves this Saturday for a kitchen deep clean.

The Burien Severe Weather Shelter is hosting "Operation Kitchen Deep Clean" on January 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is simple: get the kitchen spotless and reorganized so the shelter can keep serving guests when temperatures drop.

Volunteers will clear counters and floors, wipe down all surfaces, wash kitchen items, and put everything back in an organized way. Organizer Jenny Partch promises the work won't be overwhelming since much of the cleaning has already been done.

You don't need to commit to the full morning either. The shelter welcomes anyone who can spare just one hour, though you're welcome to stay for all four if you want.

The shelter operates inside Highline United Methodist Church and only opens during periods of dangerous cold weather. Every aspect of its operation depends on community volunteers, from cooking meals to maintaining the facility.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers show up to clean a shelter kitchen, they're doing more than scrubbing counters. They're ensuring that when the next cold snap hits Burien, there's a warm, safe, clean place ready to welcome people who have nowhere else to go.

Community-run shelters like this one exist because neighbors decided vulnerable people shouldn't face freezing nights alone. Each volunteer hour multiplies into countless warm meals served and safe nights provided throughout the winter season.

Organizers are asking people to sign up in advance so they know how many helpers to expect. The work might seem simple, but it creates the foundation for potentially lifesaving shelter services when winter weather turns severe.

One Saturday morning can help protect an entire community when the temperature drops.