WORCESTER, Mass. - More than 1,600 volunteers from the Regional Environmental Council have signed up to help clean up neighborhoods, parks, and gardens across Worcester as part of their 34^th Annual REC Earth Day clean ups.

"It's always great to give back to our community and to be a part of it," said REC Volunteer Neil Rogers. "And, you know, we just like to get outside also, and we figured it was a great way to help out."

Volunteers were present at more than 70 sites throughout the city including areas like Lagrange Street and Broad Meadow Brook.

Some of the support came from members of local churches.

"So, we congregate at MLT's church on Main Street," said MLT Church Member Joseph Rivera. "And, you know, we're just doing the good work just cleaning up the streets and hopefully seeing people to evangelize too, spread the gospel while we do the good work."

Neil Rogers and his son Bear were some of the volunteers helping out Saturday.

Neil said he once worked with REC and says it is still important for him and his family to continue their efforts to support the climate.

"It's always nice because as were walking down the street, there's trash everywhere and in all parts of the neighborhood and all parts of the city," Rogers said. "And every little piece is important to get picked up and I guess we just have to do it one by one."

MLT member Joseph Rivera said he and his church have been working with the city for years doing volunteer cleanup work.

For them, taking time to make sure Central Massachusetts can be as healthy an environment as possible for everyone is another form of worship.

"We had the time. Why not? Why not?" Rivera said. "We could be doing anything. Giving back to the community. Doing god's work."