Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Sacred Heart Catholic School in New Smyrna Beach organized a beach cleanup event, involving students and their families as part of the International Coastal Cleanup on September 21, 2024. The initiative was aimed at supporting the Season of Creation and took place on a quiet Saturday morning with participants equipped with buckets, gloves, and pickup sticks.

The school's principal, Elizabeth Labreche, reported that approximately 200 pounds of garbage were collected during the event. Items found included plastic lids, bags, fishing lines, cigarette butts, old shoes, bathing suits, and combs. Labreche emphasized the importance of such activities by stating: “The goal of encouraging this activity is to encourage our community to help our gift from God. New Smyrna Beach has a special estuary unlike any other in the world.”

Students and their families participated enthusiastically. Lizzie H., a student from Sacred Heart Catholic School said: “I like coming out to the beach. It’s fun and we help the world in a small, and big way.” Her brother Jacob remarked on the amount of trash collected within an hour.

Olivia W., another participant who joined with her parents, expressed excitement about making a difference while spending time away from technology.

The school collaborated with KeepNSBClean group whose members regularly engage in town cleanups. Leo Decker from Sacred Heart Parish shared that he continued his morning prayers while participating in the cleanup effort.

Labreche mentioned that these events are aligned with both community involvement and spiritual growth: “This aligns with the charism of our Redemptorist community, to care for the poor and the spiritually deficient.” She added that such initiatives allow them to grow as stronger community members and Catholics.