By Mary O’KEEFE

At the end of May, Girls on the Run donated $400 to Crescenta Commons as part of a community service project. Girls on the Run is a national girl empowerment program that is active at Monte Vista Elementary School.

“We sold ice cream sandwiches for $1 and raised money for the Commons,” said Kayla McPherson, Girls on the Run member.

The girls, families and Crescenta Common Kids all worked together to raise funds and help the Commons.

Once a barren plot of land at the corner of Rosemont and Orange avenues, the Crescenta Commons is home to a flourishing garden with benches, community-inspired tiles and California native plants. Monte Vista Elementary School is next to the Commons and the students have taken on the duty of guardian for the Commons. The Crescenta Commons Kids is a club that helps with planting and maintaining the area. The children learn about gardening.

“And how to help the environment,” added Vera Garabedian, a Girls on the Run member.

Many of those kids were present for the check presentation.

The funds donated will go toward purchasing more plants for the Commons.

  Mary Okeefe