The Wheatland FFA clean up crew.
Even after long school days and busy schedules, the Wheatland FFA Chapter in northern California was on a mission to clean up run-down parts of its community. Members grabbed their gloves, rolled up their sleeves and stepped out into their hometown with one goal in mind: make it better than they found it.
On Oct. 7 and 14, members were eager to help make a difference by participating in community clean up days. They started by going to Plumas Lake, where they saw a big need for environmental improvement; there were overgrown weeds, lots of trash and a lack of love. Once members arrived, they gave Plumas Lake the love it needed by spending countless hours pulling weeds, picking up trash and, overall, focusing on making the environment beautiful once again.
“Seeing the impact our chapter made in just a few hours was eye-opening,” says Wheatland FFA member Alexis Phillips. “It reminded me that even the smallest actions can make a significant impact.”
These clean up days were hosted with a purpose in mind: to support the local community while giving FFA members the chance to develop leadership skills through hands-on service. This also allowed for the local community to see the impact that can be made with a little effort and a whole lot of love.
This project also aligned seamlessly with the FFA mission by fostering personal growth, teamwork and servant leadership. Furthermore, the hands-on experience encouraged members to care for their community. The success of these events motivated Wheatland’s FFA officer team to plan more service opportunities throughout the year, such as outreach projects, that will help local agriculture and connect with young people.
Overall, Wheatland FFA is proud to continue investing in its community — demonstrating that when members unite with a shared purpose, the community shines a little brighter. These clean up days were certainly not the last; the chapter is looking ahead to its next chance to serve, lead and leave its mark.
