As a sophomore at Westminster High School, Lauren Jenne bounces between field hockey and lacrosse, and is also involved with theater and plays bass in a band.

But the Finksburg 15-year-old says giving back to the community is also an important part of her life, and over the past year she has focused on that element as president of the Maryland branch of the Children of the American Revolution.

One of her duties as president was to guide the organization’s service project for the year, and recently the group collected more than $11,000 for Hero Dogs, a nonprofit that raises and trains service dogs for disabled veterans.

They’re local — based in Montgomery County — and they help veterans, she said.

Lauren and others in CAR solicited donations from local businesses, and also made presentations to various chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution seeking their financial support.

Children of the American Revolution is for people under age 22 who are “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,” according to the group’s website. CAR focuses on patriotism, service and education about American heritage.

Lauren said her connection to CAR stems from an ancestor who served at Jamestown during the Revolution.

Hero Dogs are trained to perform tasks such as opening doors, pulling a wheelchair and picking up a cane, phone or keys, said Kiernan DuChene, a program assistant for the organization.

The group raises and trains service dogs for veterans, though it’s not just for those with mobility problems or physical ailments. The dogs can also provide emotional support for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

Lauren said she was pleased her project will help veterans. And as an animal lover, she said it’s been interesting seeing all of the things the dogs can be trained to do.

“It’s really cool how an animal can help someone so much,” she said.

emily.chappell@carrollcountytimes.com