Anastasia Clair '22, serves as the President of the Delaware State Society of the Children of the American Revolution (NSCAR), which is the nation’s oldest, largest, patriotic youth organization that offers membership to anyone under the age of 22, lineally descended from someone who rendered material aid to the cause of American Independence as a soldier, sailor, civil officer, or recognized patriot in one of the several Colonies or States, or of the United States. NSCAR activities focus on patriotism, service, and education about American heritage.

One of the duties or being President includes completing a service project to complete during his/her one-year term.

“One day I was reading the Middletown Transcript and saw an article about the Warriors Helping Warriors Brian Conley Veterans Resiliency Center,” recalled Clair. “I wanted to give the Veterans a place where they would be able to relax, and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.” Clair got to work designing a butterfly garden that included butterfly attracting plants, wind chimes, a hummingbird feeder, and landscape lighting. 

The finishing touch would be a bench, however it was very expensive. Clair learned of a program sponsored by a company called Trex that uses recycled materials to make benches and other items. She needed to collect 500 pounds of plastic within six months in order to be given the bench for free. 

“One plastic bag is about 5 grams, and it takes about 453 grams to make a pound. That is about 90 bags to make one pound,” explained Clair. Realizing that she needed to greatly expand her search for plastic to recycle, she approached Walmart, who agree to let her take whatever she needed for the project. Together with her mother Dawn, and other members of the Delaware C.A.R., they were able to collect over 900 pounds in three months. In addition, Delaware C.A.R. purchased and donated 21 window blinds for the Veteran's center.

“When the veterans who come through this home sit on the bench, my hope is that they will find peace while they enjoy the garden and they will know that their service was greatly appreciated,” said Clair.