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SHADYSIDE -- Boy Scout Troop 212 in Shadyside is collecting clothing to benefit members of the local community.
So far, the Scouts have delivered over 2,100 clothing items to The House of the Carpenter on Wheeling Island. The House of the Carpenter, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals and families in the Ohio Valley, will distribute the donations to people in need this winter season.
The troop had bins set up from Nov. 4 to Dec. 10 at local churches and libraries to collect donations.
Each week, the troop emptied the bins, sorted the items and dropped them off at The House of the Carpenter.
Tuesday marked the third time that the Scouts dropped off donations, and they plan to make one more trip after sorting the last of the donations.
Scout Grant Murray spearheaded the project. He joined Troop 212 when he was 6 years old, and 11 years later he is working to become an Eagle Scout. The service project is one of his final steps to earning the title.
Scoutmaster Ron Lough said that becoming an Eagle Scout is the "highest honor" that a Boy Scout can receive.
"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It's a lot of paperwork and planning," Lough said.
According to the Boy Scouts of America's website, Scouts must organize and complete an extensive service project to earn the title of Eagle Scout, as well as "earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles and display outdoor skills and demonstrate by example the Scout Oath and Law."
The Scouts plan to collect more donations from Jan. 2 to Feb. 2. Gray, marked collection bins will be set up at several local libraries and churches including the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, Belmont County District Library in Martins Ferry, the Bridgeport Public Library, Shadyside Public Library, Bethesda Public Library, St. Clairsville Calvary Presbyterian Church, Lincoln Avenue United Methodist in Shadyside and First Presbyterian Church of Shadyside.
Donated clothing can be new or gently used, and anyone can participate by dropping off items in the marked bins. The troop accepts shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, gloves, jackets, coats, shoes, pants, shorts and socks.
Murray said he hopes to have a total of 3,000 clothing items donated after counting and sorting the last batch of donations for this phase, and his goal is to collect 5,000 clothing items in total.
"We believe that it is important to give back to our community," Murray said.
Anyone in need of clothing or assistance this winter can contact The House of the Carpenter at 304-233-4640 or info@houseofthecarpenter.com. The organization's main office is located at 200 S. Front St. on Wheeling Island.