Everyday Young Hero: Addison Graham - Lakeville, MA
Submitted by NationalService... on Mon, 02/08/2010 - 15:06
Young Heroes Profiles in Service
Addison is a Girl Scout who does lots of volunteering and keeps busy with community service projects. Four year ago, as a Girl Scout, she rallied her troop to participate in a "One Warm Coat" coat drive - which she saw listed in a Girl Scout guide, of suggested community service projects. Early on it was clear that she would be a leader on this project, as she was excited to learn she could directly help the needy by connecting them with a warm coat - even one from her own closet. She is currently in her 4th consecutive year of doing coat drives and over the years, her efforts have helped connect hundreds of people with a warm winter coat that fits well and keeps them warm. This year, she collected approximately 200 coats/jackets and approximately 50 cold weather accessories. The items are distributed through a local homeless shelter for families, a facility for teen girls, local individuals and families, and other groups.
In addition to her work through her Girl Scout troop, Addison she stays involved with environmental projects. An avid turtle lover, she took notice several years ago to the danger turtles were facing, as they tried to navigate their way over a local roadway that travels through a wetlands area. She collected some information and submitted an application for an environmental grant to the local historical society. She was awarded the grant and those funds were used to purchase turtle crossing" signs for the town, to post on the roadway and warn motorists to watch for turtles. She continues to want to help protect the local turtle population - as she's currently trying to bring attention to local turtle species that are identified/classified as endangered on the state/federal level. Currently, she is actively working to have legislation passed to protect a local species which is listed as endangered on the state/federal level, and having it named as the Massachusetts State Turtle.
Through her commitment to service, she continues to help her neighbors in need and advocates for the protection of local ecosystems and animal species. For her efforts, we honor her as one of our Everyday Young Heroes.
To nominate a young person who has improved their community through service to be recognized as an Everyday Young Hero, please visit www.ysa.org/awards/hero
Click to see Addison's full Story !
