Community service could be seen in action in late April, when members of Scout Troop 47 joined members of the Manheim VFW Cyrus R. Peters Memorial Post 5956 and auxiliary to clean up a stretch of road in Manheim.
"Our route is from Kauffman's Mennonite Church up to Gibble's Upholstery, both sides of the road," said Penny West, auxiliary outreach chairman for the post. The stretch runs between 1355 and 955 Lancaster Road.
The project is part of the PennDOT Adopt-A-Highway program. PennDOT provides materials to volunteers who take on a 2-mile section of road and are recognized with a sign for their efforts in keeping the road clean.
Members of the VFW Auxiliary decided to start the project as a way not only to clean up litter, but also to fulfill the group's mission of connecting with the community. "It is important for the environment to pick up trash," West said. "Not only is it unsightly, but it could harm animals or people." The group plans to host road cleanups at least three times a year, she said, and she hopes other groups along with the Scouts will join the effort.
The VFW Auxiliary has a two-fold mission, she noted. "The VFW Auxiliary foremost helps and advocates for veterans' needs and lobbies for their different rights," West said. "Auxiliary outreach is different and where we volunteer our time for other nonprofit organizations to help out where we might be needed."
She hopes other members of the community will join the group in future cleanup efforts, noting that the next sessions will most likely be scheduled for July or August.
"It is a nice walk. It's good exercise," she said, "and you can take pride in knowing you helped keep the area nice and helped the environment."
For more information on volunteering with the cleanup effort or nonprofits looking for help from auxiliary volunteers, contact West at greattwins22282@gmail.com.
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