Andrew’s Family, USA (FVP Story 2021.37)
Andrew Wunder just became an Eagle, the highest rank for a member in the Boys Scouts of America. To become an Eagle, the scout has to create and implement a project that benefits his community.
Andrew's Eagle project was started at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of great uncertainty and conducting his project took courage as lockdowns were in full effect. "No one was going out. We really had to think as a family, are we going to do this," remembers dad.
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park senior center had lost most of their donations of food and asked Andrew to help. Initially getting turned down by most stores, because of COVID-19 concerns, Ballinger Thriftway allowed Andre to place a single collection bin. The bin was always full after just a few days. Andrew coordinated bi-weekly pickups of the bins with his troop, taking careful sanitation precautions. Andrew’s little brother Tyler joined in the collection runs, and dad and mom were always there to support in all ways.
Once a week Central Market, a grocery store in Shoreline, allowed Andrew to go through their blemished produce and day-old baked goods. This results in many full truckloads of food for the seniors. Andrew was told that the cookies were greatly appreciated.
Andrew collected $2,500 dollars from Safeway as a single donation and $50 from Costco. He built a website and collected $950 in online donations. He extended the scope of the project twice; with the help of others and some donated lumber he delivered 24 small tables to enable seniors to collect food in a contact-free way. He coordinated yard work for 6 seniors in need. In all Andrew's project collected over 2,6000 pounds of food and $7,280 dollars in donations.
“His project was heroic,” reflected the mother of a scout who had helped with Andrew’s project. “I was so grateful that his family did this project. We got to do something to give help in the midst of so much fear and uncertainty.”
“We are so proud of you and look forward to the things you’ll do in the future,” said Andrew’s mom at his Eagle Court of Honor.