As part of his Eagle Scout project, one Spokane youth chose to give back, focusing on youth who are involved with DCYF.
Working with Erik Larson, DCYF’s Home Finders supervisor in Region 2, and Joni Startin, a placement coordinator, Ben Smith came up with a project that worked for everyone and that would be approved by his scoutmaster.
Just in time for the holiday season, Smith organized a toy/gift drive. He worked tirelessly to get everything he needed for his toy drive.
“I gave him directions to the office, expecting a couple of boxed of toys,” recalled Larson. “To my surprise, Ben came with a moving trailer full of gifts for children of all ages and self-care kits.”
More than 600 brand new toys, three large tubs of stocking stuffers, 80 rolls of wrapping paper, gift boxes, tape and bows, and almost $300 in gift cards to places like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Taco Bell were donated to DCYF youth.
Wearing their PPE, Smith, his family and his fellow scouts helped to get the toys unloaded and into one of our conference rooms.
Larson explained Spokane is known for its gracious giving during the holidays, unfortunately, COVID-19 has hit many community agencies who typically help out during the holiday season pretty hard.
“The resources aren’t there like they have been in the past. That’s why this project means so much,” Larson said. “This young man has gone above and beyond. Words can’t express how thankful we are for his endeavor.”