Scout rallies community to benefit Children & Families First
Jaden McTeer, a rising senior at Sussex Central High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 95, began his Eagle Scout journey just as the world shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Holding true to the Boy Scout motto of helping others at all times, McTeer rallied the community and was able to deliver over 1,200 personal care items plus gift cards June 16 to the foster youth in Children & Families First’s Seaford House program.
“It was important to me that I chose a project that really made an impact with something I could relate to – helping other high school students like myself, especially foster kids who have a lot of challenges beyond regular high school stuff. I’m just really happy with how this turned out because I want them to know they aren’t forgotten about, that their own peers care a lot,” said McTeer.
Seaford House is a residential therapeutic foster group home for youth ages 12 to 17. It houses eight females and eight males who work collaboratively with their care managers, counselors, advocates, teachers and each other to heal from past traumas, overcome challenges and thrive to their full potential.
Accepting the donations on behalf of Seaford House, Program Manager Mary Stratton-Bey said, “We always talk about how one caring person can really make a difference in the life of another. I think Jaden’s project made just as much of a difference on our Seaford House youth as it did on him.”
McTeer said, “This project taught me problem-solving skills and perseverance, and it made me aware of how lucky I am to have my parents and my scout troop. I definitely wouldn’t be who I am without them, and if I can help someone my own age who doesn’t have that – that’s big.”
McTeer was joined by his parents Kirstin and John, his Scoutmaster Ben Ables, and fellow Eagle Scout David Wootten when delivering the donations he collected. They loaded multiple vehicles to bring the items, which included: body soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene products, as well as bed sheets, backpacks, and duffle bags. McTeer also presented Stratton-Bey with $175 in gift cards while expressing his gratitude to Saint John’s United Methodist Church in Georgetown and his Boy Scout Troop 95 for their collaboration in making the donation possible.
“We say it all the time here at Children & Families First. Together we can ensure the health, safety and well-being of all children,” said Stratton-Bey. “Today, Jaden changed lives for the better, recognizing the needs of his own peers. Today our whole community grew stronger.” To learn more about Children & Families First and its mission to help children facing adversity overcome challenges and thrive to their full potential, go to cffde.org.
