Makayla C.

Makayla has always had the passion of community service and giving back to others in need since she became a Girl Scout at the age of 7. Her troop participated in Take Action Projects such as giving clothes, shoes, food and Girl Scout cookies to organizations in need, including the houseless communities in Los Angeles county.

What brought her true happiness was volunteering with organizations to beautify local beaches such as Malibu, Hermosa Beach and Newport Beach. She was only able to experience beach clean ups once a year in the summer and surprisingly, it was a challenge to find litter at the beaches mentioned

Then the 2020 COVID pandemic hit...

Venice Beach was the highlight of the discussion in the media throughout the pandemic, known to be the 2nd most visited place in Southern California, but also the dirtiest.

This was her chance to help change the reputation of Venice Beach by being a part of the solution, while achieving the goals of community service:

1) Cleaning a beach that needs attention

2) Provide a year round monthly opportunity for volunteers

3) Create events that are interactive and fun

"Clean Up the Beach" was an idea that she had in August 2022 that blossomed into a nonprofit organization in January 2024 with a goal of giving back to and beautifying a community in need and encouraging others to care about the proper disposal of litter, while protecting the animals and the environment.

At the age of 15 years old, an honor roll students, active track athlete, she looks forward to increasing participation in her newly founded nonprofit organization "Clean Up the Beach" by having more volunteers, community leaders and partners to join in on the mission to "Be Nice to VeNice!" by protecting the beach, boardwalk and common living areas from litter and harm.

Makayla is an amazing young lady who gives back with the kindness of her heart and is an excellent role model for not only her peers but adults of what a true philanthropist represents.