By Kristin Markham
mail@floridanewsline.com
Temperatures peaked at 97 degrees on Mickler’s Landing beach Saturday, Sept. 15, but that didn’t stop American Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop FL1512 from participating in their annual National Day of Service. More than two dozen girls and adult leaders donning hats and gloves toted oversized garbage bags in a collective effort to beautify their community.
“We’re picking up trash from the beach so we can help the earth look cleaner and make the environment better,” said 11-year-old Keyani Jones, who describes her AHG scouting troop as a place to “learn new things and have fun.”
Troop members who could not attend the beach clean-up opted to pick up trash at Alpine Groves Park, a local school, and a neighborhood construction zone. But the Mandarin-based chapter was not alone in its efforts.
“Troops around the nation take today to go out in their community and do service,” said Troop Coordinator Christine Lobetti.
Nationally, AHG troops washed dogs at an animal rescue shelter, welcomed veterans arriving in Washington, D.C. on their “honor flights,” and volunteered serving foster children.
American Heritage Girls strives to “[build] women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.” Contact Troop Coordinator Christine Lobetti at AHGFL1512@gmail.com for more information.
Photo courtesy Sarah Crafford
American Heritage Girls Troop FL1512 participate in a beach cleanup for National Day of Service.