When Anthony DePaola set out to collect 2,000 pounds of food for his Eagle Scout project, he knew it would take more than hard work — it would take a community. Thanks to the generosity of fellow parishioners and neighbors, the Connecticut teen has already gathered 1,275 pounds of nonperishable food for Catholic Charities of Norwich, turning a Scouting milestone into a powerful lesson about service, leadership, and the impact of many hands working together.
He said he is confident he will reach his goal during the final collection, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 21 at St. Andrew Church Hall in Colchester, where Boy Scout Troop 13 meets.
After DePaola's first collection day brought in more than 300 pounds of food, the Diocese of Norwich reported June 11 that he also hopes to raise awareness about local food insecurity.
“There is a real need in our communities,” he told the diocese, “and every donation makes a difference.”
DePaola told Zeale News he chose the project after seeing the growing demand for food assistance in the eastern Connecticut communities served by Catholic Charities.
“It moved me to help,” he said.
He said he has participated in numerous service projects over the years — including clothing drives, the Boy Scouts' annual Scouting for Food campaign, and projects that assist veterans organizations — but this was the first time he was responsible for leading every aspect of the effort.
“I've learned that when it comes to doing something like this there’s a lot of planning behind it,” he said. “The hardest part is not the actual project in motion but what goes on behind the scenes to make it go smooth. And I’ve enjoyed seeing all the planning pay off.”
He said he would like fellow Catholics across the country to know that community service projects can accomplish a lot through teamwork.
“Without the help of so many, this project would have been impossible,” DePaola told Zeale News. “Catholics in America should not underestimate the power of a parish community and should embrace it.”