By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Young Marines program will hold its annual car wash in LaPlace Saturday to raise money for other platoons from across the state and region.

The fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Supreme Ford, 555 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace. St. John Young Marines Unit Commander Brian Bertrand said all donations collected Saturday will go toward Young Marine units in Division 4, which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Bertrand said the event is a way for his unit to give back to others in the area.

“Our division head knows specifically which units are in need of the most help,” Bertrand said. “In the previous two years we have dome this car wash, we have been able to raise more than $4,600 for other Young Marine units.”

Bertrand said the St. John Young Marines has received tremendous support from the St. John Sheriff’s Office, which, he says, is a luxury that most area units do not enjoy.

“Other groups in the area, like units in Jefferson or Baton Rouge, have to hold car washes or bake sales to raise money for everything,” Bertrand said. “I think our unit understands that their duty as Young Marines is to never let another Young Marine down, and that would be a nice way to execute that core value. We have been told that we are the only unit in the country that has the ability to hold fundraisers for others. We are very proud of that.”

Bertrand said food and drinks will also be available for those bringing in vehicles to be washed.

The Young Marines, which were formed in St. John in 2009, is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 11 through 14. The group promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.