“I was passionate about keeping this project local,” stated Alison Whitton, Eagle Scout Applicant and Founding Member of Troop 261G. “It was important to me to create an impact that sparked joy and made someone feel better about their hard situation or themselves.”
To achieve Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Scouts, Alison needed to complete a service project that exhibits leadership and benefits the community. Two focuses Alison aimed to achieve with the project was practicality and passion.
“Child and Family Services (C+FS) is clear-cut, easy to work with and well organized, which fit well with the practicality component I wanted to achieve with this project,” stated Alison. “The passion part involved working with an organization close to me and knowing who/what is directly being impacted.”
Alison reached out to Elizabeth McPartland, President and CEO of C+FS and the two brainstormed project ideas. One idea they developed was making no-sew throw blankets for children in the Residential Treatment program. The blanket project resonated with Alison since it brought her back to her early scout days learning how to tie a square knot.
“I was familiar with the concept of the no-sew blankets and knew it was a craft I could teach others and execute well,” explained Alison. “It was important to do a project where everyone could participate in and make a difference.”
Altogether, Alison raised $800 for her Eagle Scout Project, most of which went to purchasing materials for the blankets and the remainder serving as a donation to C+FS. The materials consisted of different patterns and colors, so each child could have their own special blanket.
Alison recruited 30 volunteers – half were from her scout troop and half were high school seniors wanting service-learning hours. Everyone gathered at her house where Alison printed out demonstrations and taught the volunteers how to assemble the blankets.
“The most rewarding part was during the project, a young girl looked to me for leadership,” beamed Alison. “Especially as a female in scouts, it felt incredible to be seen as a role model. Being able to have that full-circle moment was super rewarding.”
Alison hopes to inspire the younger generation to give back to their community and stick together since they are the true future leaders. She is excited to deliver the blankets she and her team made for the children as a special holiday treat later in the season.
