Eagle Scout helps kids
<p>Derek Sumey poses in his Boy Scout uniform.</p>
Derek Sumey's Eagle Scout project is going to brighten things for children whose families are being helped by Family Promise of North Idaho.
For his project, Sumey, 17, took on the task of rejuvenating the children's play area of the Family Promise day center.
"Family Promise is a wonderful, nonprofit organization that shelters homeless families in different churches and offers a main facility for parents to learn how to get their lives in order, and for kids a place to relax," Sumey said of his project choice.
Sumey recruited a team of helpers and raised money to spruce up the playroom. They repainted, replaced a blackboard with a bulletin board and installed shelves in the washroom. Sumey also worked with the deacons of First Presbyterian Church to have a toy drive to replenish the play area's used toys.
The son of Craig and Lynn Sumey of Coeur d'Alene, Derek has been a Scout for five years. He is also interested in guitar, backpacking, camping and is part of Idaho Drug Free Youth. A member of First Presbyterian youth group, he learned of Family Promise when he participated in the FPNI homeless awareness/ fundraiser "Cardboard Box City."
Sumey is dual-enrolled at North Idaho College where he will complete his Associate of Arts degree, then go to a four-year college for his bachelor's degree. He is interested in leadership and communications. The title of Eagle Scout will be awarded to him in April.
"Derek Sumey is an exemplary young man and we wish there were more of him. We would like to thank him and his crew for giving the children in our program a bright place to play and hang their work. They are also enjoying the new toys," said Teri Burch, Family Promise board president.