Tinley Park Scout aims for Eagle rank
May 31, 2012 3:10PM
Tinley Park Boy Scout Tim Funk organized a food drive as part of his Eagle Scout project. | Supplied Photo
Updated: July 6, 2012 8:41AM
Tim Funk is brown-bagging it big time.
The 17-year-old Tinley Park High School senior recently distributed 500 brown paper grocery bags in his neighborhood, asking residents to fill them with nonperishable food items for donation to Together We Cope’s food pantry in Tinley Park.
Tim, a member of Boy Scout Troop 442, chose the food drive as his Eagle Scout project. He hopes to attain his Eagle rank by August. His collection area is the neighborhood around Tinley Park’s downtown region off of Oak Park Avenue.
“I like the idea of a food drive for Together We Cope because it helps people right here in my own community,” he said. “I’m hoping I can make a difference for some people who need help right now.”
In a letter attached to each of the grocery bags distributed, Funk asked people to donate canned goods, especially fruit and vegetables. He noted that pasta and spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and jelly, noodles and beans or tuna are particularly helpful in equipping families with nutritious food.
Carol Ettema, Together We Cope’s food pantry director, said neighborhood food drives like the one Tim Funk organized are a major source of food for the agency.
“It is so refreshing to see young people like the Scouts get involved in helping their neighbors,” she said. “It brings new energy to our agency.”
Together We Cope is a nonprofit organization based in Tinley Park that assists families in temporary crisis from 22 south suburban communities.
Information: Ettema, (708) 633-5040.
Provided to the SouthtownStar
