David's Eagle Project!

I posted this on my facebook, but for you family members who aren't on facebook - here is a recap!

David turned 18 on March 12. He got his Life scout rank on September 10th 2008 (you have to be a life scout for six months before you can get your eagle) and he turned in his Eagle papers on March 10th, 2009 - exactly 6 months to the day after getting his Life, and 2 days before his 18th birthday. I'm just glad he decided he could do it, and then did it! What a great accomplishment - I am very proud of him!

He decided to refurbish at least 10 bikes and then donate them to Shepherd's Gate - a local women's and children's shelter. He got the bikes donated (thank you all who donated- You are wonderful!), set up two weekends for volunteers to clean, repair and refurbish the bikes. This usually meant cleaning off rust and dirt, wrapping handle bars, replacing tires, tubes, seats, and sometimes chains, and adjusting or replacing brakes and cables. We had a good turnout both weekends with many people volunteering from our ward, and even some of our good friends from Los Gatos came up to help! (Thanks guys!) We loaded all the bikes into a trailer and took them over to the shelter. They were in need of bikes - as most women there do not have cars - and use them as transportation - and also when women leave the shelter, they like to give them a bike for transportation. The wonderful lady we dealt with at the shelter made the comment that they seem to get whatever they need- that as soon as they have a need, someone will donate it. I thought that was pretty neat. There was a very good feeling there. David really worked on this project and it was a good experience for him. I hope it is a catalyst for doing service for the rest of his life.