Mark’s efforts to freshen up the building were not only driven by his desire to help the organization, but also may help him become an Eagle Scout, the highest award.
“This is kind of the pinnacle,” Mark said.
To be an Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must be younger than 18 and has to organize a community service project, which is funded solely by donations that he must raise. The Boy Scout must demonstrate leadership and strong organization in order to become an Eagle Scout.
Some of Mark’s other troop members have planted roses at the Veteran Affairs hospice hospital, cleared brush in fire danger zones and created a bocce ball court for disabled adults, Scoutmaster John Dlugolecki said.
The boys must help in each other’s projects, Dlugolecki said.
Mark has been a Boy Scout since he was in kindergarten, later joining his current group, Troop 209.
The high school junior has been working up to Eagle Scout status for years. Saturday’s project was a culmination of his efforts, his mother, Ann Marie Thomas, said.
“I am glad he is showing leadership,” she said.
Mark got plants, tools and paint donations from warehouse and gardening centers. He obtained contributions from about 15 community members to help pay the cost of the landscaping.
Mark earned $450 in donations.
Before choosing the Salvation Army for the project, Mark scouted out other facilities in December.
But in the end, he said the Salvation Army needed the most pick-me-up because it was often frequented by people with hardships.
“I see it as a chance to help others,” Mark said. “It’s a great chance to give back to the community.”
Mark fixed the building’s sprinklers before Saturday’s project to make sure the plants got watered.
Fellow troop member Ryan Roope, 18, of Burbank, helped scatter wood chips in the planting bed outside the building.
The new landscaping, he said, would make the visitors feel more at ease.
“It makes it more homey,” Roope said.
Mark’s efforts to revitalize the building, which Roope said is a staple in the community, was much-needed.
“I think it’s a great thing because people, who come here to get food or clothes, can look at the plants and feel good,” he said.
Organizing the landscaping project was time-consuming and a lot of work for Mark, but he didn’t mind too much.
The project, he said, has prepared him for the future.
Mark, who wants to be a lawyer, said he feels confident in his leadership skills and can lead any team.
“I love to lead,” he said. “I just love organizing all the kids to see what they can do.”
