Eagle Scout adds to Salvation Army and Children's Hospital reading material

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

The Salvation Army and Children's Hospital of Orange County in Fullerton, Orange County, California, have now some more reading material, an d this all thanks to Derek Balmforth of Boy Scout Troop 207.

Derek organized a book drive in his neighborhood and, in addition received books donated from the Fullerton Public Library. He sorted, cleaned and repaired 1,900 books as part of his Eagle Scout project and then went beyond the original project, and organized a team of volunteers to read to the patients of the Children's Hospital and their family members in the hospital's reading room.

The total project took 220 man-hours, according to Balmforth who is a member of the sponsoring The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fullerton.

He earned his Eagle Scout ranking on Dec. 27 at his church and he is now a freshman at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

With young people like Derek all is not yet lost for the world and for doing good for thy neighbor.

Well done, young man, and may his deed inspire others to follow his example.

© 2010

<>