Eagle Scout moved by generosity

On behalf of the patients at Edward Hines VA Hospital, I want to thank the Arlington Heights community for your thoughtfulness and generosity in support of my Eagle Scout project. Nearly a thousand personal care items were donated to help provide some comfort items to patients at the VA hospital.

I also want to thank the leadership of American Legion Merle Guild Post 208 in Arlington Heights for helping me to coordinate these efforts. Their time, energy and guidance were instrumental in the projects' success. They allowed me to use their post at 121 N. Douglas as a location for a donation box.

Special recognition should also be given to each of the local businesses who also allowed me to leave donation boxes at their facilities: Buzz In, Buzz Out, 229 N. Rand Road; Dr. David Chow, 1804 N. Arlington Heights Road; and Thomas Middle School, 1430 N. Belmont Ave.

As the community responded to my outreach, and the donation boxes filled, Scouts from Troop 34 gathered the items and compiled them into about 100 individual care packages. Each package consisted of several items of clothing, some personal care items, and playing cards. The Scouts added a personal touch, with a handmade greeting card thanking the veterans for their service to our country, and wishing them well in the future.

Recently, Scouts and others from the community distributed the care packages to patients at the hospital. The staff at Hines VA Hospital helped me to facilitate the distribution. Even though it's their job, they were moved by your thoughtfulness and generosity for the patients in their care - many of whom are elderly, infirm and have limited resources. Some have been there for many years, and are without family or friends outside the facility.

These heroes who fought for our freedoms in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts are still paying the price for those battles. Thank you for helping to recognize and comfort our veterans with your thoughtful donations. In doing that, I also want to thank you for your help on my Eagle Scout project.

Pat Riley

Arlington Heights