Every year, West Seneca East High School rallies over 1,000 students, faculty, and staff for Trojans Take Action Day—a district-wide initiative dedicated to giving back through hands-on service projects throughout the community!
Aspire of WNY was honored to be selected as a project site once again this year! This year, a group of enthusiastic students volunteered their time at our Environment & Safety (E&S) building in West Seneca, where they rolled up their sleeves to beautify some raised garden boxes that will soon be placed at several of our agency locations and residential homes!
Before the students arrived, members of our agency’s E&S team carefully constructed the boxes—measuring, cutting, drilling, and assembling each one by hand. On the day of the event, the students, guided by Aspire of WNY staff and school faculty, added the finishing touches by carefully applying fresh coats of paint to each box. By the end of the day, the boxes were left to dry, soon to be filled with seeds and soil by the individuals we support!
“We’re thrilled knowing that these garden boxes will be appreciated by the people we support for years to come,” says Kelly Blake, Intake Specialist at Aspire of WNY. “It’s truly amazing to see young people not only step up to give back, but to do so with such genuine enthusiasm.
The project also offered an opportunity for students to learn more about Aspire of WNY and our mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For many, it was their first experience with our agency, and their kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to ask questions and learn more were both welcomed and encouraged!
The garden boxes will be distributed to several Aspire locations in the coming weeks. Staff and individuals supported by the agency are already looking forward to getting their hands in the soil, planting seeds, and watching their hard work bloom!
To the students, teachers, and organizers at West Seneca East: thank you! Your time, effort, and compassion are helping us grow more than gardens. You’re helping us grow enriching, welcoming spaces where the people we support can thrive! We are so grateful to have been included in this incredible day of giving back to the community!
