This week, thousands of volunteers poured into nine southern West Virginia counties to take part in The Reaching the Summit Community Service Initiative, the nation’s largest community service project of its kind in U.S. history.
In conjunction with the 10-day 2013 National Boy Scouts Jamboree, the more than 350 community service projects will draw Scout volunteers and volunteers from throughout the United States, AmeriCorps / NCCC, representatives from Volunteer West Virginia and the West Virginia University Football team. The Initiative will occur over five days July 17-19, and 22-23, in Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming counties.
“The Initiative is remarkable and the most significant project of its kind in our nation’s history,” said Robert A. Martin, CEO, Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia. “Moving forward, what we accomplish over these five days of service will be a shining example of what can be accomplished when we all work together.
The historic nature of The Initiative has drawn the national attention of the Corporation for National and Community Service CEO, Wendy Spencer. Spencer visited West Virginia to tour project sites and to volunteer on July 18 and 19.
“CNCS is proud to be a part of this historic and inspiring service initiative,” said Spencer. “AmeriCorps members and Boy Scouts will roll up their sleeves and work alongside citizens of the Mountaineer State to build stronger, healthier, and safer communities, improving the lives of not only West Virginians but also those who are serving.”
The Citizens Conservations Corps of West Virginia (CCC), in oversight and coordination of The Initiative, solidified more than 350 projects to be completed in the nine counties. Community service projects will focus on one or more of the following categories: Green-Friendly, Wellness, Construction, Infrastructure and Arts & Education.
A complete list of approved projects for The Initiative may be found on the CCC’S website which is www.cccwv.com.