Life Scout to hold Care Package Drive for U.S. troops

Fremd High School freshman Brandon Matuszczak volunteers to help U.S. troops by involving his community and Boy Scout Troop 209 with his Eagle Scout Project. His troop, consists of over 100 active scouts, and has been successfully lead by Palatine Fire Fighter/Paramedic and Scoutmaster Kevin Piasecki.

The honor roll student has been involved in scouting since he joined as a Cub Scout in first grade, and has worked his way up to Life Scout. Less than 5 percent of scouts achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.

In addition to his community service activities, Matuszczak is involved with Fremd's football, wrestling and Lacrosse teams. He is also a member of a paintball team in East Dundee.

Matuszczak chose to honor the troops along with his grandfather, Romuald Matuszczak, who served as a Marine in World War II. He has dedicated his project to the men and women that serve our country and to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Reaching out to his community for help was the first thing that came to mind when Matuszczak decided to do his project. He knew he could count on his former teachers from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School to lend a hand. His former first-grade teacher Mrs. Landerman and former fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Kennedy were eager to help. Scouts from his troop are also reaching out to Huntington Ridge School for help writing letters for the troops.

To help achieve his Eagle Scout Rank, Matuszczak is also organizing a Care Package Collection Drive. The Jewel store on Plum Grove Road, in Palatine, has graciously offered to help provide a collection donation site.

While customers are shopping at Jewel, scouts will be providing "wish lists" of the most needed items to the customers. A donation jar will also be provided for any customers that would like to help with the shipping charges which could be very expensive depending on package weight.

As Matuszczak quickly learned, most of our troops are without facilities for showering and unfortunately, taking care of personal hygiene in many locations is nonexistent. Matuszczak's goal is to collect over 1,000 travel size items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors and eye drops for the troops.

The care package donation drive will be held from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Jewel, 45 S. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Please stop by and support U.S. troops by making a contribution to the Care Package Program.

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