DANVILLE — A family in need is in need all year, not just during the holidays.

That was Ross Hilleary’s reasoning when he decided to conduct a food drive this summer for his Eagle Scout project. Food collected this weekend and checks mailed to him will go to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

“In our economic times, it’s a very good project for an Eagle Scout to put together,” said Tim Manard, scout executive with the Prairielands Council, Boy Scouts of America. “I’m sure he’ll have a successful project.”

Hilleary, 17, is a Life Scout with Troop 390 at Second Church of Christ. A senior this fall at Danville High School, he is the son of Greg and Mary Ann Hilleary.

To earn his Eagle badge, he had to find a project that would demonstrate his leadership skills, help the community and involve more than 100 man-hours.

“I think it’s a worthwhile cause,” said Dan Sloan, leader of Troop 390.

Hilleary had heard about a Scout in another state doing a food drive, and that was successful, Sloan said. Hilleary was intrigued and wanted to try a drive here.

“It’s something that benefits the community and gives youth a chance to show leadership,” Sloan said.

Hilleary said he targeted just a few neighborhoods — Devonshire, Denvale, Denvale West and Stonegate. He used the city directory to get an idea of how many homes are in those subdivisions. Then he contacted County Market for bags, and was given a case (1,300 bags).

The teen said he also had to get a permit from the city before he could distribute letters seeking donations.

Under his direction, helpers placed the bags and letters at 500 homes last Saturday. The letters asked people to fill the bags with food or to make monetary donations.

On Saturday, Hilleary and his teams will collect those bags from the homes’ doorsteps.

“I’m hoping for a large amount,” he said. In less than a week, he already has received $200 in donations in the mail.

If people don’t want to wait for Hilleary’s helpers to pick up the bags, they may drop them at his house before Saturday or call for pickup. People taking donations to his home on Saturday should do so after 10 a.m.

The food items collected Saturday will be sorted and delivered to the pantry next week.

Hilleary encourages people — including those outside the targeted neighborhoods — to make donations, noting the need for food in the area.

His father, Greg, also an Eagle Scout, said of the project, “I think it’s pretty snappy. I just think it’s a neat project.”

The food drive is one way for his son to show his leadership skills, he said, adding that Ross also is president of the Student Advisory Board for Danville District 118.

Food recommended by the Salvation Army includes: tuna, noodles, crackers, cream soups, Spaghettios, ravioli, instant rice, cereal, dry milk, granola bars, Pop Tarts, jelly, Tuna Helper, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, Ramen noodles, formula, spaghetti sauce and canned goods.



FYI

To make a financial donation, mail a check (made out to the Salvation Army Food Pantry) to: Eagle Scout Project, c/o Ross Hilleary, 3158 E. Main St., Danville, IL 61834.

For more information, call Hilleary at 497-2946.