OSWEGO COUNTY – Choosing an Eagle Scout Project that is truly inspiring can be a challenge. For Luke Hayden that challenge was met when he discovered Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Services to Aid Families program (SAF) while researching ideas for his Eagle Scout Project. He was impressed with what he discovered about OCO.
“I was blown away by the wide variety of services and the amount of programs that OCO provides in my area,” said Hayden, a member of Troop 3112 in Brewerton. “When I saw how many people OCO serves in general, and in particular, how many its SAF program serves, I knew that helping OCO would be a perfect fit for my Eagle Scout project.”
After reaching out to OCO Administrative Coordinator Karen Merrill, and learning that SAF helps individuals of all ages, Hayden decided to put together care packages that could be distributed to adults and children. He set up a Go Fund Me page where friends, family, and community members could donate to the cause and solicited funds himself. With the money raised Hayden was able to buy the items he was looking for and prepare the care bags for delivery to OCO.
“I was pleasantly surprised when Luke contacted me and said that he had put together 48 care packages, 24 for children and 24 for adults,” said Merrill. “We’re excited to be receiving such a generous donation. Those in our SAF program will be thrilled to receive them.
Hayden’s children’s care packages include a stuffed animal, coloring book, crayons, and a blanket. Adult care packages contain a journal, colored pencils, a coloring book, and a blanket.
The Eagle Scout Project gives scouts the opportunity to plan, develop, and demonstrate leadership while undertaking a project that benefits an organization within their community. The Eagle Scout Project is the culmination of a Scout’s leadership training.
“OCO and its SAF program do amazing work. It’s rewarding to know that my Eagle Project will be benefiting such a worthy organization,” added Hayden.
SAF is Oswego County’s sole domestic violence and rape crisis provider. SAF offers non-residential and residential services to victims and survivors, via the Crisis Hotline, and in-person. If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence or stalking, please call the SAF Crisis Hotline at (315) 342-1600. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and is free and confidential. Individuals looking to donate to the SAF program should also contact SAF through the Crisis Hotline.
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