The Cy-Ridge Interact Club, a volunteer club, picked up trash on September 26 2015 in Galveston; to earn hours and help the community through a program called “Adopt a Beach.”

Because of its location near the Gulf of Mexico, trash from there floats to the shores of Galveston. Leaving the beach dirty and unsanitary. People often disregard their trash in an inappropriate manner, worsen the condition. That is why a program like Adopt a Beach was created to clean up beaches.

Photo by: Roland Ieng
The Interact Club used gloves to pick up and dispose trash. They had to check off what items that they found and trail a section of the shores. The destination was messy, and litter covered the grass. Fortunately Amber Nguyen, the club president, was able to organize Interact into four groups of ten people. It made cleaning up the beach more efficient.

The event occurred at the Seawall, near Pleasure Pier, Amber Nguyen and the club sponsor, Henry Curtis, had to sign up for the group. They had to find an isolated location to pick up trash. It took roughly 15 minutes, due to it being the weekend, where lots of visitors were active. “The organization makes it easy for groups like us to come help out,” said Amber Nguyen.

After the group was done cleaning up the beach, they took a group picture. It was very exhausting but they are finally done! “Let’s take a group picture guys,” said Amber Nguyen.

Photo by: Roland Ieng
All the Interact members were exhilarated after cleaning up the beach. “I liked spending time with my friends, and helping the earth,” said Paul Pounsaunchaun said. In addition, Brayan Uriostegri said, “I enjoyed spending time with others.”

Nisha Pak said, “How should I put it? Interact helps people come together and make the earth better.”

“It wasn’t me who did it this year. I’d have to thank my wonderful project coordinators for this one,” Amber Nguyen said, “The event was refreshing, certainly a change of scenery.”

Photo by: Roland Ieng
Just before they left the site, an ice shaving truck came. Instantly, members got off their seat, once they got permission from Henry Curtis. Everyone was able to enjoy shaved ice after tough community work.

Members that attend this event earn volunteer hours for colleges or universities. It gives them more chances to enhance their applications and get accepted to a university. A win-win situation for everyone.

Photo by: Roland Ieng