When Hayden turned 11 and went into the Boy Scout program the first thing he did was go through the book to see how soon he could earn his Eagle. He said, "Mom, I want to get my Eagle on my 13th birthday." He has worked hard and he will realize his goal in Feb. 2011.
As he thought about projects and what he could do, he asked what Cam and Colby had done for their projects. Colby didn't do one and Cam did his project in Rocky Point or Puerto Penasco Mexico. Hayden decided that he wanted to do his project for the people of Rocky Point as well.
It took a while for us to find a contact in Mexico. Granny works for the Church and she was able to give us the number to the temple president in Hermosillo, Mexico. I called and spoke to Sister Young. She gave me the number for her nephew who lives in Rocky Point. Hayden called him and got the number to one of the counselors in the branch presidency who happens to be the brother of the branch president. We then FINALLY got in touch with President Guillermo Moreno. He spokes very good English and he and Hayden were able to talk about his project and what kinds of things the people in Mexico need.
It was determined that the people were most in need of winter items. For example, sheets, blankets, winter clothes as well as dresses and white shirts and ties to attend church. He also asked if we could collect frozen turkeys. A turkey in Mexico costs between $50 and $70 EACH!!
Hayden was SO excited to get started. Unfortunately, we had a difficult time getting his project approved. Hayden had to jump through many hoops and convince many people that Mexico is a safe place and that we would not be in any danger by going. Hayden was told on more than one occasion that this would be a "difficult project" and perhaps he should "simplify it". Hayden was determined and would not change what he wanted to do. After nearly a month, Hayden finally received the sign off to begin. Granny printed nearly 1000 flyers and Hayden and his friends and fellow Scouts passed them out to everyone in our neighborhood as well as members of our ward.
We set it up to collect the donated items 2 weeks later. When November 20th came, I thought for sure we would be OVERWHELMED with the amount of donated items. That day, we picked up 3 bags and one turkey. To say that Hayden was disappointed is an understatement. He worried about how he would fulfil his promise to President Moreno with just 3 bags and 1 turkey. We assured him that we would have enough and would find a way to get the necessary items. We sent out emails and asked our family to clean out their closets for the necessary items. I emailed family and friends out of state and asked for donations. Hayden received over $100 in donations and he used that money to purchase items from Wal-Mart and Goodwill. Little by little, donations showed up. When it was all said and done he collected 1058 articles of clothing including blankets, sheets, ties etc and 8 turkeys.
Hayden had the Scouts come help him sort, fold and organize all of the items. I was surprised to see the boys trying on the clothes and being silly. Here are just a few of the pictures we took.
All of the items are ready to go to Rocky Point this weekend. We can't wait.
1 comment:
I didn't see any pictures, but WOW! what a fantastic Eagle project. And setting his goal to get his Eagle at 13...well, that is amazing. Kids are growing up so fast and doing things so early these days, aren't they. Well, nice job Hayden!!
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