Residents work to fill needs

Date: 3/10/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



HOLYOKE -- Three SUVs jam-packed with new blankets of all shapes, sizes and colors made a welcome stop to the office of Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc. on March 5.

Tim Winfield of South Hadley was joined by his mother Elizabeth Winfield and friend Saif El-Mallah who helped unload the vehicles, along with assistance from the staff of Providence Ministries.

Even though we are approaching spring, these blankets will come in handy, Karen Blanchard, administrator, Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc., said during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Blanchard noted that the blankets will be sold at the St. Jude s Clothing Store and will also be distributed to those in need when their office receives a call from a local agency.

Once all the blankets were transferred to the basement of Providence Ministries for safe keeping, Winfield spoke about the generosity of town residents who assisted him with his Eagle Scout project. Winfield, who attends South Hadley High School, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 303 in South Hadley.

I want to say thank you to all for their generosity, Winfield said, noting his project would not have been successful without his community s support.

After researching ideas for an Eagle Scout project, Winfield decided a blanket drive would test his leadership skills while also helping to fulfill a community service prerequisite.

I wanted to help people who are less fortunate, Winfield said.

Once all of the logistics were outlined, Winfield set up 10 collection boxes in town, ranging from school and church locations to businesses, the library and Town Hall. He also designed and distributed flyers for the cause and was thrilled when he saw the outpouring from town residents who were willing to step up and help.

Winfield notes that the sense of helping someone has been his greatest reward.

At the end of the day you ve made a difference, he said, adding, you feel a closer tie to your community.

Winfield expects to hear by mid-April whether he will receive Eagle Scout recognition for the blanket project but in the interim, many individuals and families will now benefit from the generosity of his act and from neighbors only a town away.

For more information on Boy Scouts of America, visit www.scouting.org.