Snoqualmie resident and Mount Si High School senior,Nick Heinke, has been a Boy Scout for 13 years and is currently a member of Snoqualmie Troop 115. As he works his way toward Eagle rank, he must choose and conduct an Eagle Project.
Nick said it was important to him to pick a project that would have a longterm impact… something that “really made a difference in people’s lives.”
That led Nick to pick YouthCare – an organization located in Seattle dedicated to getting homeless kids off the streets and prepared for life – as the beneficiary of the results of his project.
“Nobody ever starts their life planning to be homeless.Every night young people spend on the street is another chance to be victimized,” say YouthCare advocates.
YouthCare runs many programs, including outreach and basic needs, housing and shelter, prevention, education and employment training. They are dedicated to getting kids off the streets and transitioned into stability.
Recently Nick placed donation drop boxes at the Snoqualmie Ridge IGA and North Bend Safeway where, until April 10th, he will collect clothes and personal items for YouthCare. Community members who wish to donate are asked to drop teen-appropriate clothing and shoes, personal toiletries, blankets, backpacks and sleeping bags.
He also started an GoFundMe campaign for those who would rather donate monetarily. Nick said YouthCare will be able to use to those funds to support their many programs.
On April 10th Nick will gather the local drop boxes and present his project to the Seattle Boy Scout of America Council.
So far the GoFundMe campaign has generated over $1000 in donations. Nick said although this project is very personal to him – and he is grateful for the support shown so far – he believes it will mean way more to the youth it is designed to support.
To learn more about Nick’s YouthCare Eagle Project visit the Facebook page or the GoFundMe page.
Comments
The Scouts are a great organization, with a great set of values which allows young men to develop according to their gifts and convictions. It’s great to see this young man representing scouts in a way that helps the community.