PALM DESERT -- Cadets of Civil Air Patrol Squadron 11 helped raise money, acquire community service hours and wash cars all at the same time Saturday during their benefit car wash in the Home Depot parking lot.

They were out there to raise money for the Constitution Day program, which will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

The car wash raised about $2,000. The goal was $10,000, said Tim Bloom, franchiser for The Window Wash Guys.

“We meet at the Air Museum, and since the Constitution Day is happening over there, we’re supporting them,” said 1st Lt. Feli Ramirez, deputy commander for the cadets.

“We’re raising money to offset their expenses. And at the same time it’s a community service for the cadets, because one of the requirements for the cadets when they are promoted to a higher grade is community service hours,” he said.

Assisting them were The Car Wash Guys and The Window Wash Guys franchises.

“No. 1, we love our country, and we love our freedom,” Bloom said of his reason for participating.

By 11:30 a.m., 100 cars had been washed, he said.

Carlos Carranza helped wash cars.

The 15-year old Palm Springs resident has been a CAP member for three years.

“They did a wonderful job and the car had been sitting for the summer so it was dirty,” said Teresa Newell of Rancho Mirage, and one of the many whose had their cars washed.

“It’s a great cause. It’s a wonderful public service,” she said.