Scout Lends a Hand to Goodwill

Jan. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- In a world of video games, texting, and internet surfing, there is seldom time for anything else. However, to become an Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Troop 316 member, Matthew Reilly, was tasked with completing a service learning project. Immediately, Reilly knew he wanted to make a difference with whatever project he selected.

“I started thinking about what I wanted to do,” says 17-year old Reilly. “I knew Goodwill would appreciate the help so, I picked them.”

Reilly, a resident of North Fort Myers, contacted Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida employee Natalie Tursi to find out what projects they needed assistance with.

“He was so willing to help,” says Tursi. “I gave him a list of projects but, told him that the public, as well as Goodwill’s employees would really appreciate some outdoor seating. So many people frequent our headquarters that to have something outside, where people could take a break or wait for their rides would really be nice.”

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida assists individuals with disabilities and disadvantages overcome barriers to employment and independence. Their programs and services are funded mainly by the revenue generated in their retail stores. In 2012, Goodwill helped over 30,000 individuals in the Southwest Florida community. This hasn’t left a lot of room in the budget for luxuries like benches.

After two full days of building, and sanding, Reilly completed four benches and on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, Reilly and his father delivered the benches to Goodwill’s headquarters located in North Fort Myers.

“We are going to be using these benches all the time for meetings, breaks, and lunches,” says Tom Feurig, Goodwill’s CEO. “When we move our headquarters to Tice, later in the year, we will be taking these with us.”

After setting up the benches in their new home, Feurig presented Reilly with a certificate of appreciation.

“I didn’t do this all on my own,” says Reilly. “It was really a group effort. Other scouts helped me build these, too. They helped a lot.”

After graduating from North Fort Myers High School, Reilly hopes to go to Florida Gulf Coast University and major in Political Science. According to Goodwill, he’s on the right track.

“It is a great accomplishment to become an Eagle Scout,” continues Feurig. “To pick something like this, a big project, and stick with it is no small thing.”

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. serves Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties.  Goodwill’s programs include Goodwill’s L.I.F.E. Academy, a charter school for students with intellectual disabilities ages 11 through 22, Job-Link career training and placement services, and income-sensitive housing for people with disabilities and senior citizens.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit http://www.goodwillswfl.org.