Wantagh Boy Scouts Host Car Wash fundraiser

Despite Sunday's gloomy weather, dedicated boy scouts of Troop 189 in Wantagh spent their morning washing numerous cars and vans in attempts to raise money for their future endeavors.

Troop 189, which is led by Scoutmaster Mike Vitucci and sponsored by Temple B'nai Torah, organized the Sunday morning car wash. The fundraiser was held outside Temple B'nai Torah, which is located on Jerusalem Avenue in Wantagh next to the North Bellmore border.  Cars were charged $5 for an exterior wash with vans charged $7.

Members of Troop 189 are all boy scouts, ages 11-17, who put together their own fundraisers, trips and outdoor programs on their own with the counsel of Vitucci. "Many of our scouts began in the first grade as cub scouts,"  said Vitucci. "We go camping every month, all year round. Parent volunteers join us for all of our trips and events."

Around 20 scouts participated in the car wash on Sunday with each member putting in equal efforts whether they were washing, drying, cleaning up or advertising handmade signs for drivers to see. Every time a car pulled in the boys rushed over with excitement. The troop hosts about three to four similar events each year including "Scouting for Food," a food drive for the homeless, car washes and more.

According to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Troop 189 of Wantagh has received a number of honorable awards in recent years including the Nassau County Gus Katz Award for Service to God and Country, and the BSA Centennial Quality Unit Award. For more information on how to get involved with this organization, visit their website.