TORRANCE, CA — November 8, 2026 — Sometimes, making a difference begins with something as simple as picking up a piece of trash or lending a helping hand. On Sunday, November 8, 2026, about 85 volunteers from ASEZ WAO gathered at Wilson Park in Torrance, California, with one shared purpose: to put love into action by serving their neighbors and making their community a better place.
The event held multiple layers of significance. It was part of ASEZ WAO’s Green Earth initiative, officially recorded as the 9,617th Worldwide Cleanup Campaign, and it was also in commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of Mother’s Love and Peace Day.
According to Torrance Community Service Department Director Vincennt Stanojevic, Wilson Park receives over 3 million visitors per year, making volunteer support essential in maintaining it for the community to enjoy. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., volunteers worked throughout designated areas of the park, collecting litter and debris. Their combined efforts resulted in two truckloads of trash collected, weighing approximately 700 pounds, and helping create a cleaner and more welcoming environment for the families and visitors who enjoy the public space.
As members of the World Mission Society Church of God, ASEZ WAO volunteers are inspired by the love and teachings of Heavenly Mother. They strive to put that love into action through kindness, selfless service, and caring for the communities around them. For the volunteers, the cleanup was more than an environmental effort; it was an opportunity to share their faith through meaningful actions.
ASEZ WAO helps the community
Brittany Williams, a Torrance member, explained why serving her community was important to her. “The reason why I came to the ASEZ WAO cleanup is because I want to help the community. If the community is clean, I feel like our neighborhoods will be safer, and I also feel like it makes people happier.” Jim Shaw, also from Torrance, emphasized how service brings people together: “By doing work like this, not only is it a boost in faith, but it also helps bring people together.”
The spirit of service extended beyond Torrance, with volunteers traveling from other cities to participate. Michelle Ramirez came from Temecula and described the encouragement she finds in serving alongside others. “It is very motivating to be surrounded by like-minded people who just want to help out the community,” she said. Shadrach Johnson, who traveled from Hollywood, reflected on how his faith has encouraged him to become more involved in helping others. He shared that through Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, he has learned to live and share the truth while becoming a more active member of his community.
Local city leadership support ASEZ WAO
The event also received support from local city leadership. Torrance City Council member Asam Sheikh, representing District 3, attended the initiative despite a last-minute change in the cleanup schedule. Council member Linda Barnett, representing District 4, also joined the volunteers. Appointed to the City Council on August 25, 2026, Barnett’s participation was especially meaningful since Wilson Park is located within her district. Council member Barnett presented the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, and Council member Sheikh presented a congratulatory plaque for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The presence of both council members highlighted the value of cooperation between community organizations, local leaders, and residents. When people come together with a shared commitment to improving their surroundings, even small acts of service can create a lasting positive impact.
For ASEZ WAO, the Wilson Park cleanup demonstrated that love is more than a feeling; it is something expressed through action. Inspired by Heavenly Mother’s example of love, the volunteers hope their efforts encourage others to care for their neighbors, take responsibility for their communities, and recognize the difference they can make when working together.
As the afternoon came to an end, event sponsors Domino’s Pizza, Target, and Ollipop provided volunteers with snacks and refreshments as an expression of their gratitude and support. ASEZ WAO volunteers left Wilson Park cleaner and more welcoming, carrying with them the satisfaction of serving others. Through initiatives like this, ASEZ WAO continues its mission to create positive change around the world, one community and one act of love at a time.
