Montgomery Boy Scout Greg Smith Completes Eagle Project to Benefit Catholic Charities
Donation of “Blessing” Bags will help those who are homeless or living in shelters
GOSHEN – Greg Smith, a Boy Scout in Montgomery Troop 386, recently delivered the culmination of his Eagle Scout project to Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster’s offices in Goshen. In his quest to reach Boy Scout’s highest rank, Greg developed and implemented a plan to create “blessing” bags for Catholic Charities.
The blessing bags consist of reusable tote bags and string backpacks emblazoned with the Catholic Charities logo and filled with basic hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, tissues, and wipes, as well as a bottle of water. Greg raised $1,200 to purchase the bags and products. He also hosted a drive to collect additional product donations. Under Greg’s leadership, a total of 210 bags, individualized for men, women, and youth, were assembled and donated to Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities staff are distributing the bags to those in need of these necessities, including those who utilize the warming center, homeless shelter, or are living on the streets.
“We are so very proud of Greg for pursuing Boy Scouting’s Eagle summit, and so very grateful that he selected Catholic Charities to be the beneficiary of his project,” said Kristin Jensen, Chief Advancement Officer, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. “Greg, his family, fellow scouts, and other volunteers worked hard to raise the funds, collect the products, and assemble the bags that will make life a little easier for those who are struggling. The comfort these bags will offer will be a blessing to those who receive them,” added Jensen.
To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must reach the rank of Life Scout, earn a minimum of 21 badges, including 13 required badges, and demonstrate leadership within the troop. Greg, who has been a Scout for 9 years, has earned a total of 36 badges, and most recently served as Troop Scribe. Greg will present the results of his project to the Hudson Valley Council’s Eagle Board of Review this winter for the final approval.
###
Montgomery Boy Scout, Greg Smith, a member of Troop 386, selected Catholic Charities to be the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout project. He is pictured with his parents, Heidi and Rick, delivering the 210 “blessing” bags that were prepared for Catholic Charities.
Greg Smith, joined by Kristin Jensen (l), Catholic Charities Chief Advancement Officer, and Shannon Kelly (r), Catholic Charities Chief Operations Officer, show off some of the donated blessing bags.
