A dozen or so people of varying ages on Sunday worked under the hot sun to fill approximately 45 large trash bags with beach trash from Little Bay on the Eastern side of Altona Lagoon. The most commonly discarded items were plastic bottles, beer bottles and food containers and plates. A dozen tires also were picked up.
The work was done by representatives of the Dominican Action Committee and the 4-H Ambassador Program, joining forces for the clean up.
“In preparation for Holy Week and the tradition of Easter camping on the beach, the UVI-CES 4-H Ambassadors will partner with the Comite de Accion Dominicana to ‘pledge their hands to larger service,’” one prong of the 4-H pledge that guides 4-H members, according to Sarah Dahl-Smith.
Wilfrido Ferreras, a 4-H parent and committee vice president, said that in conversation with his daughter, 4-H Ambassador Melissa Ferreras, both agreed that this would be a great way for 4-H to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
In addition, their work together will forge a relationship with the committee that will pave the way for support in the future for 4-H, he added.