THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2008

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Maine West Junior Works Toward Eagle Scout Goal

By DENISE FLEISCHER

Lifestyle Editor

Pat Jost, a junior at Maine West High School, is leading his troop in collecting Operation Shoebox items as part of his Eagle Scout project now underway.

He and fellow troop members recently walked through their neighborhood handing out flyers stating that they would return on Saturday, Oct. 11 to pick the items up. Pat's troop, Troop 6, is based out of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jost knew exactly why he wanted to devote his time and attention to the project.

"He knew conditions weren't the best and he wanted the soldiers to be more comfortable," explained his mother, Pam.

Those interested in donating requested items can drop them off at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday nights between 7:30 to 9 p.m. Donations will be taken through Oct. 30.

Items needed are foot powder, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, sunscreen, tissues, sugar packets, beef jerky, powdered drink mixes, small boxes of cereal, gum, Tylenol, magazines, Gatorade powdered drink mix, battery powered fans, batteries and shoe inserts.

Jost will take the collected items to Northwest Electrical Supply on Rand Rd. in Mt. Prospect. The business has offered to donate shipping efforts to Operation Shoebox. Care packages will be assembled by Operation Shoebox and mailed to soldiers.

Des Plaines Fire Station No. 1, near River and Rand roads, will be accepting collection donations until Halloween to assist in Jost's project.

Operation Shoebox is also looking for cash donations to help with its shipping, and a donation can be made through the website at www.operationshoebox.com/.

Pat is the son of David and Pam Jost of Des Plaines. The family has resided in the area for 10 years. Jost is considering a career as a gym teacher.