On the beautiful, slightly overcast spring morning of April 17, 20 volunteers from the Department of Aviation came together to celebrate National Garden Month with a garden cleanup project at the Boys and Girls Club of Chester (BGCC). The event was part of a series of activities the Department of Aviation hosted for Earth Month and it showcased the spirit of community that the airports' staff exemplifies.
The crew was greeted by the BGCC’s Chief Executive Officer Derrick T. Billups, Sr., and Director of Operations Donna Northern. Every year, the BGCC grows fresh fruits and vegetables which are used for their cooking classes and shared with their neighbors. “The work done today will make a difference,” said Northern.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to nurture the development of young people and guide them along the path to future success by providing an environment that supports excellence in education, good character and citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle.
“We love to give our staff the opportunity to contribute to an important environmental effort and learn about nature,” said Jessica Noon, Airport Sustainability Manager. The Sustainability Team helped to organize and promote the clean-up as part of a series of Earth Month-related events.
Equipped with shovels, garden rakes, and plenty of mulch, Department of Aviation volunteers weeded, cleaned, pruned, and mulched the club’s garden area. PA Master Gardeners Lisa Craft and Jane Nyiri, who volunteer weekly with the BGCC, helped lead the workers.
The camaraderie among the volunteers was contagious as team members from different airport departments worked side by side. Fulani Bah, Public Relations Specialist Trainee, expressed, “It was extremely fulfilling to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Chester, and it was a pleasure to interact with other members of the Department of Aviation. I'm definitely interested in volunteering again!”
By the end of the work session, the volunteers had helped create an attractive, safe, and efficient growing environment – for both plants and people.
Keesha Lane, Director of Community Relations and Outreach, and Zoraida Antonetty, Airport Community Relations and Outreach Coordinator organized the event. “We would like to express our gratitude to Ms. Northern, Mr. Billups, and the master gardeners for opening the doors of the Boys and Girls Club. We are grateful to be part of such an awesome event, knowing that not only the students will benefit from this garden, but also the community," said Antonetty.
