Members of the Manheim VFW Auxiliary 5956 have started a project to keep Manheim looking great, and the group could use your help. Volunteers began cleaning up a stretch of highway on Manheim Pike as part of the PennDOT Adopt-A-Highway program. "Our section starts at Kauffman's Mennonite Church up to Gibble Auto Upholstery on Route 72," said Penny West, who is chairing the project. The stretch runs between 1355 and 925 Lancaster Road.

"Adopt-A-Highway is a program where PennDOT provides materials to volunteers to clean up trash in a 2-mile section of road where they put up a sign, recognizing the group that's keeping the area clean," West explained.

Members of the VFW Auxiliary decided to start the project as a way to not only clean up litter, but also to fulfill the group's mission of connecting with the community. "Auxiliary outreach is our program where we partner with other groups to help them with projects and reaching their goals," West explained. "Usually, it would be a nonprofit group, but not always. We want to show the community that we care about other groups and would like to offer a helping hand, if we are able."

She said the group is specifically looking to work with Boy and Girl Scout troops in Manheim for the project. "We are looking forward to teaching them to be respectful of the environment and to take pride in where they live," West shared. "We hope to be working with Girl Scout Troop 70479 and 70531 and Boy Scout Troop 47 closer to the fall and possibly earlier, if there are any other troops that would like to join us."

She noted that participation in the project is easy and fun, and participants get the satisfaction of a job well done. "I think it's important to do the Adopt-A-Highway program because it helps keep the roads clean of litter and trash, and it gives a sense of pride in your community," she remarked. "Groups could do a section as a morale booster for their business. It's also good exercise and gets you outside."

Although the auxiliary does not have any specific dates scheduled in the upcoming weeks, West said she is hoping to do more cleanup sessions throughout the summer. She encourages anyone who is interested in helping to contact her for more information. She may be reached at greattwins22283@gmail.com.